The variety of options in lighting has just exploded over the past decade with advances in LED (light-emitting diode) lighting technology. Where lighting fixtures tended to be oriented around the location of the bulb and sockets and built out [...]
As 2021 comes to a close, LUXlife Magazine names the top firms in design and architecture to use the moniker of the best firms in the world in 2022. Swallowtail Architecture is proud to announce that we have been named: [...]
What to Consider When Deciding to Stay in Your Home for Retirement "The coastal communities of South Carolina may be the perfect setting for your retirement--whether you see yourself kite-boarding or reading a book on the beach, our year-round, temperate [...]
Imagine buying a home on Kiawah Island with absolutely stunning views of the marsh, but then discovering that the existing home, despite its impressive-looking design, offered extremely limited views of the marsh. Compounding the problem, the roof shape of [...]
We wanted to share an article about the home in "Beth’s Pineland Village." From our research we learned about Mrs. Smith initial reluctance to purchase such an old home and then the additions and renovations they undertook, as well as a sweet family connection to the property.
We're taking a look at this recently completed whole house renovation on Sullivan's Island. In this video walkthru of the exterior of the property we are highlighting the complete change in the look of the exterior. [...]
Painting floors was once a very popular find in older homes. It was a way to cover up what was often a not so stunning, plain wood floor. But now, painted floors add big time style and charm. Clients are [...]
We are currently working on a home design in Seabrook Village on Seabrook Island. Seabrook Village is a planned community with small lots allowing residents a smaller home footprint meaning less upkeep, while not compromising amenities or lifestyle. [...]
Summerville is at its heart, a small town. A place with a community feel and a great quality of life. People who live in Summerville love living here not only because of the lifestyle and conveniences of dining, shopping, and Charleston's proximity, but because of the cohesion of the community. Swallowtail Architecture honors the community feel with a new project converting a residential home to an office space.
'Retirement,' isn't that a nice word? It likely brings up a vision you have for your life in your golden years and the activities and home you want to live in to support your lifestyle. That lifestyle may include entertaining [...]
Different jurisdictions along the coast of South Carolina have different criteria for elevated pools. The criteria is dependent on the regulations of the city and state, and also on FEMA regulations based on the flood zone the proposed home is [...]
My husband and I paddled the over 160 mile long Hunter Island Loop this summer. The loop is considered by many as the ultimate Boundarary Waters/Quetico paddling adventure.
There are far fewer more joyous days than ground breaking day on your brand new home! Recently we celebrated this momentous day with our clients and design partner team of LuAnn McCants (Interior Designer), Kelly Messier (Landscape Architect), and the [...]
Are you a gambler? How about we play a hand of Architect Poker? To quote the venerable Kenny Rogers, “you’ve got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, and know [...]
As the 2019 Hurricane Season is approaching and I am recalling the storms along coastal South Carolina in 2018, I am reminded how important incorporating hurricane resilient home design is. Since almost all of our work is along the coast [...]
After returning to the office (post Hurricane Florence), we had wanted to share some of our experience about what to consider when returning home after a hurricane. We knew first hand all the practical to dos and felt we could [...]
The Swallowtail Team and the Greater Charleston area were so fortunate that neither felt the brunt of Hurricane Florence that brought massive amounts of water and some high winds to North Carolina and significant flooding north of us along SC’s [...]
Swallowtail Architecture is starting to use 3D drawings as a design tool so we can really see what the home will look like, and so can the Owners! Our home owners wanted a beautiful classic lowcountry home, with a symmetrical [...]
Twenty-two years ago, I designed my first custom home, a retirement home for a master gardener. The site was a beautiful 3 acre lot set in the rolling hills of southern Ontario. Seven years ago, my clients sold the home [...]
Demolition is underway at the Fort Moultrie 1890’s Ordinance House project. Removal of the interior walls and finishes always reveals hidden gems. In this Sullivan's Island project to convert the former Ordinance Shop into a residential property, we see remnants of a past era and previous renovations.