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 Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Contemporary Countryside Living: Reimagining Your Home in Cornwall

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

From Sketch to Reality: Architectural Visualisation

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

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

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Class Q Planning Permission

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Penzance Business Breakfast

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Town Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

Traditional Barn Conversion Approved | Building Regulations Success

Planning Approved for Farmhouse Extension on Bodmin Moor

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Architect Jobs in Cornwall | Architect Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Architectural Technician Job in Truro Cornwall | Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

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

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

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Planning Within Cornwall’s World Heritage Site | What You Need to Know

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

James Vivian Promoted to Associate Director

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Laurence Associates Attending Stithians Show 2026

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Coastal Cornish Home Design | Contemporary Architecture

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Energy Statements: Why They Matter for Planning Applications

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Conditional Planning Permission Secured for Five Homes in Bodmin

Natural Light

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Waterside Lookout

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CESW Summit 2026

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Architecture in Fowey | Laurence Associates

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

The Experts

Self-Build and Custom Build Homes with Laurence Associates

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Principal Designer Services | CDM 2015 Compliance

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

New premises & 30 Years in the business

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Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Property Development Forum

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Regen Planning Conference

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Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

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Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

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Housing Land Supply Changes: What They Mean for Planning

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Final Days at the Devon County Show for Laurence Associates

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Coastal Home Design in Devon & Cornwall

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

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Committee Success Secures Permission in Principle for New Homes

How to Finance a Self-Build

Laurence Associates Featured in Salt Magazine

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Redruth Housing Scheme Approved

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Creating Seamless Indoor Outdoor Living Spaces

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

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

Should I use an Architect?

New Project Collection Coming Soon

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Inside A Coastal Cornwall Residential Project

Sensitive Design Approach for Barn Conversion Window Proposal

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Contemporary Roof Extension in Cornwall | Sustainable Residential Design

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Construction Drawings Explained: What They Include and Why They Matter

A Busy Week of Progress Across the Practice

New National Planning Policy Framework Published | Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Architectural Technician Job in Truro Cornwall | Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Building Safety Act | Building Regulations Principal Designer

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Property Development Forum

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Farm Diversification Opportunities in the Southwest

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Work Experience Week: Exploring Architecture and Structural Engineering

Appeal Success for Agricultural Workers Dwelling Near Penzance

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Planning consent secured for replacement wind turbine

Consent Secured for Amendments to Housing Scheme in Gweek

Padstow Conservation Area Extension Approved

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Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Navigating Building Regulations in Cornwall: A Design Led Approach

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Planning Permission Secured for Padstow Conservation Area Outbuildings

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Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Exploring Contemporary Materials and Colour in Cornish Architecture

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Functional Living in a Contemporary Cornish Home

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

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Securing Consent for 11 Bespoke Holiday Units in Mawgan Porth

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Architecture Vogue – Humble Cottage

BNG Exemption for Small Development Sites

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Small Housing Schemes

Affordable Housing Success

Planning Appeal Success for Equestrian Building

Cornish Replacement Dwelling Submitted for Building Regulations

Construction Excellence Southwest Cornwall Summer Boat Trip

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

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Laurence Associates Supports the Peloton Charity Golf Day 2026

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Visit Laurence Associates at the Devon County Show This Week

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Seaside Sensation

Laurence Associates prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Master Planning That Creates Places for the Future

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

11 Bespoke Holiday Units Designed for Mawgan Porth

New Project Showcase | A New Collection of Laurence Associates Projects

Non-Material Amendment Success

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

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Planning Committee Reforms in England What You Need to Know

National Planning Policy Framework

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Vickery Holman Market Review

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026 Architecture and Planning Support

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

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Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Building for Growth

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Planning Appeal Success to Building Regulations Approval

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Designing Homes Shaped by Landscape and Views in Rural Cornwall

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Every Project Has More Than One Story to Tell

Planning Appeal Success for Permission in Principle Scheme

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Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Planning Success in Tintagel

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

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

East Allington Permission in Principle success for five new homes

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Grand Designs

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

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A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Summer in the City Networking Event | Laurence Associates Exeter

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A considered evolution of a familiar form

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Residential Project Site Update | Progress on Site

Appeal Success Near St Ives