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

Regen Planning Conference

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

National Planning Policy Framework

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

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

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Planning Success in Tintagel

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Waterside Lookout

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Considering a Home Extension?

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

The Experts

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

Vickery Holman Market Review

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Class Q Planning Permission

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Grand Designs

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

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

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Building for Growth

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

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

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Penzance Business Breakfast

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Natural Light

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Small Housing Schemes

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Should I use an Architect?

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

CESW Summit 2026

How to Find a Building Plot

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

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

Why Do a Self Build?

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Building for Growth

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

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Affordable Housing Success

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Seaside Sensation

Property Development Forum

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Property Development Forum

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

How to Finance a Self-Build

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs