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

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Affordable Housing Success

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Planning Success in Tintagel

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Penzance Business Breakfast

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

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

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

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Regen Planning Conference

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Waterside Lookout

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

CESW Summit 2026

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Class Q Planning Permission

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

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The Experts

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

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Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

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Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

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Elmhurst Energy CPD

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

National Planning Policy Framework

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Property Development Forum

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

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Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

How to Finance a Self-Build

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

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Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

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SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

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Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Business Cornwall – March 2026

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Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Seaside Sensation

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Vickery Holman Market Review

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

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

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

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Appeal Success Near St Ives

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Natural Light

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Grand Designs

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

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

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Small Housing Schemes

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

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

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Building for Growth

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Property Development Forum

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Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

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Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

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Feock replacement dwelling project overview

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