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

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Planning Permission Secured for Change of Use to self-contained letting unit in Penzance

Permission in Principle Secured for One Dwelling in Treleigh, Cornwall

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Laurence Associates at the CLA Southwest AGM

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Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

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New Bungalow Gains Building Regulations Approval

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Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

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Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

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Building Regulations Approval for Storage Unit in Bodmin

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

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Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

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Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

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Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

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Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

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Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

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Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

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Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

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Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

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Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Laurence Associates at the CESW Cornwall Club Black Tie Ball

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Planning Appeal Success for Permission in Principle Scheme

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Principal Designer Services | CDM 2015 Compliance

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Laurence Associates at SLR Consulting’s Segway Olympics

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Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Laurence Associates Supports the Peloton Charity Golf Day 2026

Cornish Replacement Dwelling Submitted for Building Regulations

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Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

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

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Permission in Principle Secured for Six New Dwellings in Redruth

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Laurence Associates Featured in Salt Magazine

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The Built Environment Network – Trevelver Farm

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Architecture Vogue – Humble Cottage

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Conditional Planning Permission Secured for Five Homes in Bodmin

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Penzance Business Breakfast

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

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Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

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Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

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CESW Summit 2026

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

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Non-Material Amendment Success

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Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

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Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

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Planning consent secured for replacement wind turbine

Three Successful Planning Applications on One Site

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Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

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Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

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Property Development Forum

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Master Planning That Creates Places for the Future

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YEP Exeter Padel Tournament

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Laurence Associates Attending Stithians Show 2026

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Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

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Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

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

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Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

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Class Q Planning Permission

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

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