October 2023 — Principal and Founder, Rachel Burton, AIA, of Charleston-based Swallowtail Architecture, receives prestigious Best Architecture Single Residence USA at the International Property Awards (IPA) Gala in Toronto, Canada on Sept 22. The top honor of Best Architecture in the USA was received after the firm first won in the Best Architecture in South Carolina in the regional America’s category. The awards are the banner project of the IPA, which is an international organization that recognizes excellence in the professional work of architects, interior designers, realtors, and property developers. The Awards are split into regions covering Africa, Asia Pacific, Arabia, Canada, Caribbean, Central & South America, Europe, UK and the United States. Established in 1994, the International Property Awards are judged by a highly experienced team of professionals who cover the whole range of property disciplines for residential and commercial building projects.
The gala evening was a delight of the sense with us first being led into the event by a bagpiper, a delicious 4-course meal was enjoyed as the MC for the evening Etholle George spoke, the evening was capped off with champagne as we toasted the winners. It was a true honor to selected by the IPA and Swallowtail is grateful for this recognition.
Rachel Burton, Swallowtail Principal Architect and Owner
The project submitted for consideration is the Lands End Project in the Isle of Palms. Lands End represents the quintessential character lot of the Coastal Carolinas. Situated on the edge of the marsh, with near 180 degrees views, the home’s design embraces the natural setting and is focused on the breathtaking vistas from all three levels of the home. The large, open-concept main floor boasts luxury finishes and a professional grade appliance package in the chef’s kitchen. Coffered and beamed ceilings delineate the living room, dining room, and kitchen, as the wide planked flooring used throughout unifies the spaces. Outdoor living epitomizes the Lowcountry lifestyle, and this home showcases the ease of indoor-outdoor whether on the third floor deck, second floor elevated pool deck with covered dining area and outdoor kitchen, or on the ground-level with large covered lounge and dining space with easy access to the firepit on cool evenings.
The highest-scoring winners from each region are automatically entered into the overall International Awards, which ultimately determine the world’s finest property companies.