Long before he evolved as a respected developer, Charles Ausburn had an abiding respect for nature and a keen awareness about the environmental impact of over-building. When a close friend enlisted his help in a remodeling project, Charles refused to cut down an old oak tree and insisted his friend let him frame the new deck around the tree. Tree and deck have lived in harmony for more than three decades.

In 1993, Charles partnered with Janie Clardy to start Ausper Construction; they have worked together on a myriad of projects since.

Charles made his mark in the development community with his first major project off the coast of South Carolina, Islands of Beaufort. Charles secured this pristine peninsula in late 1997, just as property values along the coastal Carolinas began to soar. Located along Battery Creek, just minutes from downtown Beaufort, South Carolina, the community was designed to blend naturally with the Low Country greenery, marshes and deep water close to shore. The 196-homesite community, including Cotton Island and the exclusive Deer Island, features homes designed by William Poole and is regarded as one of the most prestigious in an area.