James Ravenel

James Ravenel is a ninth-generation Charlestonian whose love for the Holy City runs deep. He spent his childhood riding bikes through downtown, scaling garden walls, and exploring hidden alleys — falling in love with Charleston’s charm, character, and the stories that live in every cobblestone and piazza. That sense of wonder never left him.

Driven by a passion for discovery, James ventured far from home, attending the University of Montana before embarking on an unforgettable journey across South America, where he worked for the U.S. Commerce Department at the Embassy in Buenos Aires. His next chapter took him to San Diego, where he turned a love of surfing into a dream job in the surf industry, eventually becoming a business owner in that space.

Always drawn to meaningful, passion-fueled work, James went on to co-found a digital media company that designed large-scale video wall installations for top surf and retail brands nationwide. As his work became increasingly remote, James’s heart pulled him back to Charleston.

In 2017, he bought a home in Hampton Park Terrace, putting down permanent roots once again. He immersed himself in Charleston’s civic life, attending City Council meetings and following zoning and STR developments, thereby deepening his understanding of the city’s evolution. When Explore Charleston reimagined the Visitor Center to showcase the city’s rich history through modern design, it was James’s team that won the bid.

Today, James brings that same drive, attention to detail, and personal investment to real estate. Whether you’re buying or selling, James offers not only the perspective of a seasoned professional, but also the insight of someone who knows Charleston inside and out — its neighborhoods, its soul, and its future.