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Designing and building a custom home on Sullivan’s Island is a once-in-a-lifetime, dream come true. With a beautiful coastal landscape in combination with the Ocean and the Intracoastal waterway, this is a premier home building site in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Swallowtail Architecture knows how to work within the strict building codes and standards of Sullivan’s and the Design Review Board (DRB) . We understand the intricacies and costs of building in a coastal environment and put these skills to work for our clients.

These resources have been provided to help you with planning, designing, and building your dream home on Sullivan’s Island. Nothing can replace talking directly with an architect.  Every client, every lot, every home is different and unique.  Seek the advice of a professional at the beginning of your project.  Are you just getting started and need more information about finding, hiring, and working with an architect? Are ready to start? Contact Swallowtail Architecture about your project.

Free Resources and Guides from a Sullivan’s Island Architect

Guide Cover, Building Costs on Sullivan's Island

The Truth About Why it Costs More To Build And Renovate On Sullivan’s Island

It’s true, the “island effect” exists.  Building on an island in a coastal environment does cost more.  Learn why the building costs are higher on the island.  Learn how to ensure you get the best value for your money.  Discover the answers to these questions, and more in this guide from Swallowtail Architecture.

Guide Cover, Tips for DRB Submissions on Sullivan's Island

6 Essential Tips for a Successful DRB Submission on Sullivan’s Island

How do you navigate the zoning ordinances and the design review process and get your perfect Sullivan’s home and live the island dream?  Your Sullivan’s Island project will more than likely require review and approval by the Design Review Board (DRB). This guide will help you with the 6 essential tips for a successful DRB submission and the lengthy submission process.

Sullivan’s Island Homes from Our Portfolio

The Gallery House on Sullivan’s Island2023-11-13T23:11:31+00:00
Beacon House on Sullivan’s Island2023-11-14T14:21:00+00:00
Family Retreat on Sullivan’s Island2023-11-14T00:57:32+00:00
American Twist on Classic Meets Coastal on Sullivan’s Island2023-11-14T01:05:36+00:00
Outdoor Entertaining on Sullivan’s Island2023-11-14T01:19:48+00:00
Fort Moultrie’s 1890s Ordinance Shop2023-11-14T01:28:45+00:00
Sullvan’s Island Serene Update to Coastal Home2023-11-14T01:33:59+00:00

Are you Ready to Start the Design of Your Dream Home on Sullivan’s Island? Schedule a free, 10 minute Q&A with Architect Rachel Burton.

The best architect in the Charleston area for bespoke architecture, Rachel Burton, AIA

From Rachel’s Desk

News and Information about Architecture on Sullivan’s Island

  • Arched Window Header made of brick

Fort Moultrie Project Update

May 4th, 2018|0 Comments

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.

  • Rachel Burton, award-winning architect-wins-four-international-design-awards

Swallowtail Wins Four Awards for International Design Excellence

June 16th, 2017|0 Comments

Architects Creating Homes’ awards Swallowtail Architecture four residential design awards for ArCH’s 2017 Design Excellence in Residential Design. The winners of this international competition were announced June 1. Burton’s winning designs include a coastal island renovation, two marshfront homes and a fourth award, in Dunes West, for “The Blue Kitchen.”

Read about all the topics in Rachel’s Desk.