Drainage on Pier and Beam House
I would avoid adding soil next to the foundation and instead focus on removing soil to make a swale 4 ft or so away from the foundation. For termite resistance it is best to keep the soil level at least 6 inches below the sill plate, and more is better.

I think a swale and dry creek bed are excellent solutions. If the topology allows it, they are preferred over underground drains.

Swales are much more in the province of a DIYer than are underground drains. I solved a neighbor's serious drainage problem with 8 hrs of work on my part using a mattock, shovel and wheelbarrow.

EDIT It could be that after a rain the water table around this house rises to ground level or above.  If this is the case, then true French drains would be necessary to drain the soil.