Bespoke Architectural Design Process

At Laurence Associates, we recognise that every client is unique and so is every project. That’s why we never take a one-size-fits-all approach to the design process. Instead, we work closely with our clients to understand their vision, priorities, and the unique opportunities of their site.

Architecture is a collaborative journey. From the earliest conversations through to developed concept designs, our team guides clients through each stage with clarity and care. Once the design brief has been carefully shaped and agreed, our architects and designers begin developing detailed concept proposals informed by three key elements: the brief, a deep understanding of the site and any constraints or opportunities that emerge from it.

Our concept presentations can take many forms, from expressive hand-drawn sketches to two- and three-dimensional CAD plans, computer-generated imagery and photographic montages. Regardless of the medium, our focus remains firmly on the client’s objectives. The result is architecture that is not only thoughtfully designed, but genuinely enjoyable to live or work in.

How we approach design

In the early stages of any project, several key areas help shape the concept and direction. These perspectives often overlap and evolve together as the design develops:

• Functional – how the building works and supports daily life
• Material – the textures, durability, and character of materials
• Contextual – the relationship with surroundings and site conditions
• Conceptual – the guiding ideas that shape the design narrative
• Formal – spatial composition, form, and visual expression
• Collaborative – working closely with clients, consultants, and communities
• Philosophical – the deeper values and principles informing the design

By weaving these approaches together, we create buildings that respond intelligently to their environment, reflect our clients’ ambitions, and stand the test of time.

At Laurence Associates, great architecture begins with listening and grows through thoughtful design. Click here to get in touch today to explore your project ideas.

All posts

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Regen Planning Conference

Grand Designs

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Why Do a Self Build?

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

New premises & 30 Years in the business

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

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Business Cornwall – March 2026

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Celebrating 17 Years of Dedication: James Vivian, Associate Chartered Architectural Technologist

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Penzance Business Breakfast

Waterside Lookout

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Small Housing Schemes

Building for Growth

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Graphisoft UK Awards 2024 – Small Project Of The Year: Under £5 Million

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Planning Success in Tintagel

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Permission in Principle Secured for 4 to 9 Dwellings in North Hill

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

What does the new Part O of the Building Regulations mean for a new home?

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Affordable Housing Success

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Property Development Forum

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Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Building for Growth

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Class Q Planning Permission

Natural Light

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Property Development Forum

National Planning Policy Framework

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Planning changes from April 2026: why expert advice matters more than ever

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

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Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

CESW Summit 2026

The Experts

Seaside Sensation

Vickery Holman Market Review

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

St Piran’s Day 2026 – Celebrating Cornwall’s Heritage

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Should I use an Architect?

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

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Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed