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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New National Planning Policy Framework Published | Laurence Associates

Planning Appeal Success to Building Regulations Approval

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Conditional Planning Permission Secured for Five Homes in Bodmin

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

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Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

New premises & 30 Years in the business

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BNG Exemption for Small Development Sites

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

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Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Building for Growth

From Sketch to Reality: Architectural Visualisation

Padstow Conservation Area Extension Approved

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RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

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Laurence Associates Attending Stithians Show 2026

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Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

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Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

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

Building for Growth

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Certificate of Lawfulness Secured for Residential Caravan Use

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

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Natural Light

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

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Self-Build and Custom Build Homes with Laurence Associates

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Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

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James Vivian Promoted to Associate Director

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Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

CESW Summit 2026

Considering a Home Extension?

Principal Designer Services | CDM 2015 Compliance

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Three Successful Planning Applications on One Site

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Summer in the City Networking Event | Laurence Associates Exeter

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Committee Success Secures Permission in Principle for New Homes

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Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

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Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

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Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

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A Contemporary Coastal Home by Laurence Associates

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

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Architecture Vogue – Humble Cottage

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

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Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

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Bespoke Architectural Design Process

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SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

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Appeal Success for Agricultural Workers Dwelling Near Penzance

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Energy Statements: Why They Matter for Planning Applications

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Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Construction Excellence Southwest Cornwall Summer Boat Trip

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Architecture Vogue – Breakwater

Designing Homes Shaped by Landscape and Views in Rural Cornwall

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

National Planning Policy Framework

Planning Appeal Success for Equestrian Building

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Penzance Business Breakfast

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Planning Permission Secured for Rural Replacement Dwelling

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Consent Secured for Amendments to Housing Scheme in Gweek

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Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Grand Designs

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Property Development Forum

Planning Success in Tintagel

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Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

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Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026 Architecture and Planning Support

Non-Material Amendment Success

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

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The Built Environment Network – Trevelver Farm

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Vickery Holman Market Review

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Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

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Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

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Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

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

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Cornish Replacement Dwelling Submitted for Building Regulations

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Regen Planning Conference

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Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

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Class Q Planning Permission

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Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

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Laurence Associates prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

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Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

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Appeal Success Near St Ives

Waterside Lookout

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Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

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Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

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Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

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Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner