Business Details
14 Years
experience
Custom Coastal Home Design & Architectural Excellence
Swallowtail Architecture is a client-focused architectural firm dedicated to creating custom residential and commercial spaces that harmonize with the unique character of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Founded in 2012 by Principal Architect Rachel Burton, the firm combines decades of experience with a deep understanding of local environments and communities. Our process begins with active listening to uncover clients' visions, translating them into designs that balance practicality, emotional resonance, and financial considerations.Recognized with multiple national and international design awards, including Best Residential Architect in the USA and ArCH Design Excellence awards, we specialize in custom new homes, historic restorations, aging-in-place designs, and boutique commercial properties. Our team of experienced architects brings a distinct female perspective to design, emphasizing seamless flow between spaces and a commitment to enhancing clients' lifestyles through timeless, functional architecture.
Services
Custom New Homes
Historic Restorations
Aging in Place Design
Commercial Properties
Character Lot Homes
Whole House Renovations
Public Sector Projects
Home Additions
Lowcountry Architecture
Boutique Commercial Design
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of coastal architecture expertise with personalized service
- Our designs seamlessly integrate with South Carolina Lowcountry's unique environment
- Award-winning track record recognized nationally and internationally
- Specialized in aging-in-place solutions with universal design principles
- Proven success navigating historic design review boards and zoning regulations
Associations and certifications
- ArCH Design Excellence Awards
- Best Residential Architect in the USA
- Best Architects in South Carolina
What people say
Award-winning designs
Expert service
Seamless blend of old and new
Client-focused approach
Recognized excellence
Services
Custom New Homes
Designing personalized coastal residences tailored to clients' lifestyles and challenging lots. Our expertise maximizes budget efficiency while preserving natural beauty and meeting Lowcountry building codes. Services include full-service architectural design, zoning compliance, and construction oversight for luxury homes in Charleston's barrier islands and historic districts.
Historic Restorations
Preserving architectural character while modernizing historic homes. We specialize in navigating local historic design review boards, updating outdated systems, and expanding living spaces. Our approach maintains original charm through careful material selection and period-appropriate detailing while integrating contemporary comforts.
Aging in Place Design
Creating adaptable living spaces for lifelong comfort. Our designs incorporate subtle accessibility features like zero-threshold showers and wide doorways without compromising aesthetics. We focus on multi-generational functionality and future-proofing homes for changing mobility needs through elegant spatial planning.
Commercial Properties
Designing distinctive commercial spaces that enhance brand identity and operational efficiency. Services include tenant up-fits, new commercial construction, and zoning compliance solutions. Our approach balances aesthetic appeal with practical considerations like customer flow and ADA accessibility requirements for Charleston-area businesses.
Character Lot Homes
Transforming difficult coastal lots into functional dream homes. We specialize in navigating complex zoning regulations, optimizing views, and addressing environmental constraints. Our designs creatively resolve issues like floodplain requirements and limited buildable areas while maintaining architectural harmony with surrounding properties.
People
Rachel Burton
Principal Architect
Licensed architect with 20+ years of coastal design experience. Founder of Swallowtail Architecture in 2012, recognized nationally for innovative Lowcountry designs. Specializes in historic preservation and aging-in-place solutions.
Sabrina Patel
Licensed Architect
15+ years in residential and commercial architecture. Graduated from University of Miami with Bachelors of Architecture. Focuses on client-centered design solutions that balance creativity with practicality.
Lisa Tryssesoone
Architectural Designer
Master of Architecture from Universit Libre de Bruxelles. Specializes in eco-renovation and adaptive reuse projects. Brings European design sensibilities to Lowcountry architecture with a focus on sustainable solutions.
Brigitta Burton-Austrom
Office Administrator
Interior architecture graduate from Converse College. Manages office operations and client communications. Combines commercial design experience with intimate knowledge of the firm's design philosophy.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in custom residential design, historic restorations, aging-in-place solutions, commercial properties, and challenging lot developments throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Do you work with historic homes in Charleston?
Yes, we have extensive experience with Charleston's historic districts, including navigating design review boards and preserving architectural character while modernizing homes.
Can you design homes for aging in place?
Our universal design approach creates homes that adapt to changing needs at every life stage, incorporating accessibility features without compromising aesthetics.
Do you handle zoning and permit requirements?
Yes, we manage all zoning compliance, building code requirements, and permit acquisition processes for residential and commercial projects in the Lowcountry region.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, and surrounding barrier islands including Kiawah, Sullivans Island, and Isle of Palms.
