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.

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Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

Property Development Forum

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Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Laurence Associates Attending Stithians Show 2026

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CESW Summit 2026

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

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New Bungalow Gains Building Regulations Approval

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Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

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Contemporary Countryside Living: Reimagining Your Home in Cornwall

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Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

YEP Exeter Padel Tournament

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

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Grand Designs

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

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Section 73 Planning Success for Self-Build in Cornwall | Laurence Associates

Cornish Replacement Dwelling Submitted for Building Regulations

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Waterside Lookout

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Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

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Designing Homes Shaped by Landscape and Views in Rural Cornwall

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Commercial Outdoor Kitchen Planning Permission

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Planning consent secured for replacement wind turbine

Permission in Principle Secured for Six New Dwellings in Redruth

Coastal Cornish Home Design | Contemporary Architecture

A Busy Week of Progress Across the Practice

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Appeal Success for Agricultural Workers Dwelling Near Penzance

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

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Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

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Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

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Building Safety Act | Building Regulations Principal Designer

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Seaside Sensation

New Project Collection Coming Soon

Architecture Vogue – Humble Cottage

Planning Permission Secured for Rural Replacement Dwelling

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Architecture Vogue – Breakwater

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Laurence Associates prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Vickery Holman Market Review

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Planning Appeal Success for Equestrian Building

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Planning Consent for Commercial Change of Use in Bude

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Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

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Securing Consent for 11 Bespoke Holiday Units in Mawgan Porth

Meet Will | Architectural Assistant at Laurence Associates

Planning Appeal Allowed Near Helston for 6 to 9 Dwellings

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Permission in Principle Secured for One Dwelling in Treleigh, Cornwall

Architect Jobs in Cornwall | Architect Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

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Building for Growth

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Laurence Associates Mission

The Built Environment Network – Westcliff

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026 Architecture and Planning Support

Laurence Associates at the CLA Southwest AGM

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

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Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Small Housing Schemes

BNG Exemption for Small Development Sites

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Laurence Associates at the CESW Cornwall Club Black Tie Ball

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Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

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Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

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Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

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Padstow Conservation Area Extension Approved

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

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New premises & 30 Years in the business

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Section 106 Agreement Revoked Near Porthtowan

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Agricultural Barn Development Advice

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Penzance Business Breakfast

National Planning Policy Framework

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Traditional Barn Conversion Approved | Building Regulations Success

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

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Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

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Elmhurst Energy CPD

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

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Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

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

Consent Secured for Amendments to Housing Scheme in Gweek

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Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Regen Planning Conference

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Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

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Laurence Associates at the Michelmores event in Exeter

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Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

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Planning Permission Secured for Change of Use to self-contained letting unit in Penzance

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Self-Build and Custom Build Homes with Laurence Associates

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Property Development Forum

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Planning Success in Tintagel

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The Built Environment Network – Trevelver Farm

Contemporary Home Renovation

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

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Non-Material Amendment Success

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

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Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

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Planning Appeal Success to Building Regulations Approval

Coastal Home Design in Devon & Cornwall

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

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Polzeath Campsite Secures Year-Round Planning Permission

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Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Planning Permission Secured for Padstow Conservation Area Outbuildings

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New Project Collection Coming Soon

Planning Appeal Success for Permission in Principle Scheme

A Contemporary Coastal Home by Laurence Associates

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

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Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Natural Light

Architect Jobs in Cornwall | Architect Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Class Q Planning Permission

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

New Project Showcase | A New Collection of Laurence Associates Projects

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Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

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Laurence Associates Supports the Peloton Charity Golf Day 2026

East Allington Permission in Principle success for five new homes

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

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Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

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Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Conditional Planning Permission Secured for Five Homes in Bodmin

Redruth Housing Scheme Approved