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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Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Committee Success Secures Permission in Principle for New Homes

Waterside Lookout

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

How to Find a Building Plot

Non-Material Amendment Success

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

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Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

National Planning Policy Framework

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

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

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Affordable Housing Success

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Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Should I use an Architect?

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

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SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Functional Living in a Contemporary Cornish Home

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

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Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

The Experts

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Property Development Forum

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Farm Diversification Opportunities in the Southwest

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Natural Light

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Property Development Forum

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Visit Laurence Associates at the Devon County Show This Week

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Why Do a Self Build?

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Penzance Business Breakfast

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Class Q Planning Permission

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

A Busy Week of Progress Across the Practice

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Every Project Has More Than One Story to Tell

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

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

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Building for Growth

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

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

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Small Housing Schemes

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

Planning Approved for Farmhouse Extension on Bodmin Moor

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Considering a Home Extension?

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

Self-Build and Custom Build Homes with Laurence Associates

Seaside Sensation

Navigating Building Regulations in Cornwall: A Design Led Approach

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Building for Growth

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

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Master Planning That Creates Places for the Future

Planning Success in Tintagel

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

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Vickery Holman Market Review

CESW Summit 2026

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

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Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

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Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Regen Planning Conference

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

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Final Days at the Devon County Show for Laurence Associates

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Our First Newsletter Is Live | Latest Projects, News & Events

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Grand Designs

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

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