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

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Small Housing Schemes

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

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

Property Development Forum

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

How to Find a Building Plot

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

National Planning Policy Framework

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Planning Success in Tintagel

Penzance Business Breakfast

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

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

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

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

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Natural Light

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

The Experts

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Regen Planning Conference

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Class Q Planning Permission

New premises & 30 Years in the business

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

How to Finance a Self-Build

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

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

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Affordable Housing Success

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Should I use an Architect?

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Vickery Holman Market Review

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Building for Growth

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

CESW Summit 2026

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Why Do a Self Build?

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Seaside Sensation

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Property Development Forum

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Building for Growth

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

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Grand Designs

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Waterside Lookout

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

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

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals