Mark James - Design Director & RIBA Chartered Practice Status

Mark James, a Chartered Architect, has recently joined the Practice as Design Director.

Mark has over a decade of local experience, primarily focused on residential architecture. Mark’s portfolio spans single-family homes, larger housing developments, conversions, and extensions, alongside work on commercial and mixed-use schemes.

We are also pleased to continue the RIBA Chartered Practice Status in addition to our chartered status with the RTPI and CIAT.

After graduating from Birmingham City University in 2014, Mark returned to Cornwall, where he has successfully led numerous projects from concept to completion.

Mark’s strong technical background enables him to provide expert guidance on construction methods and detailing, ensuring the highest standards of quality throughout both the design and construction process. His collaborative approach fosters effective communication among clients, consultants, and contractors, resulting in the successful achievement of project goals.

Dedicated to staying ahead of industry trends, materials, and technologies, Mark integrates innovative design solutions that enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. He is also committed to mentoring his team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and promoting best practices in design and project delivery.

Mark said, “I’m excited to join the team at Laurence Associates, and contribute my experience to the existing studio’s strengths. I look forward to supporting the talented design team to deliver a diverse range of projects, working closely with our expert in house planning and landscape teams. Together, we will continue to deliver innovative spaces that truly connect with the inspiring Cornish landscapes we live and work in”.

Jason Pledger said, “We are delighted to welcome Mark as the new Design Director at Laurence Associates. Mark has a wealth of experience across a wide range of sectors, especially the residential sector, which will provide excellent strength to the planning process and his strong technical knowledge and experience will provide guidance to the technical team. Mark has excellent leadership skills, and we are all very excited to see how he develops and shapes the studio in the future”.

All posts

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Why Do a Self Build?

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Vickery Holman Market Review

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

CESW Summit 2026

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Building for Growth

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

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

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Waterside Lookout

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

How to Finance a Self-Build

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Small Housing Schemes

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

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

Grand Designs

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

The Experts

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Planning Success in Tintagel

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

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

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

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

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Property Development Forum

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Affordable Housing Success

Property Development Forum

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

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

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

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

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

National Planning Policy Framework

Regen Planning Conference

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

How to Find a Building Plot

Class Q Planning Permission

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Penzance Business Breakfast

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Building for Growth

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Seaside Sensation

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Should I use an Architect?

Natural Light

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings