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

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

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Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

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Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

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Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

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Business Cornwall – March 2026

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Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

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Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

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Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Regen Planning Conference

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

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Property Development Forum

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

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Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

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Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

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Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

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Class Q Planning Permission

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

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Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

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Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

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Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Penzance Business Breakfast

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

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Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

CESW Summit 2026

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

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Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

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Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Building for Growth

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

National Planning Policy Framework

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

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Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Vickery Holman Market Review

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

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International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

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Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

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

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

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Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

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Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

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Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

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