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

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

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

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

The Experts

Class Q Planning Permission

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

How to Find a Building Plot

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Penzance Business Breakfast

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

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Natural Light

Grand Designs

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Considering a Home Extension?

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Waterside Lookout

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Seaside Sensation

Building for Growth

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

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

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

National Planning Policy Framework

Regen Planning Conference

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

Why Do a Self Build?

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

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Vickery Holman Market Review

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Property Development Forum

How to Finance a Self-Build

Property Development Forum

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Affordable Housing Success

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Planning Success in Tintagel

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

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

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Small Housing Schemes

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Should I use an Architect?

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Building for Growth

CESW Summit 2026