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

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Affordable Housing Success

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Small Housing Schemes

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

National Planning Policy Framework

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

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Building for Growth

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

The Experts

Class Q Planning Permission

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Property Development Forum

Waterside Lookout

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Planning Success in Tintagel

How to Finance a Self-Build

Property Development Forum

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

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

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Building for Growth

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Natural Light

Grand Designs

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Vickery Holman Market Review

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Penzance Business Breakfast

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

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

Seaside Sensation

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

New premises & 30 Years in the business

How to Find a Building Plot

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

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

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

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

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

CESW Summit 2026

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

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

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Why Do a Self Build?

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Should I use an Architect?

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Regen Planning Conference

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026