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 for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Planning Success in Tintagel

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

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Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

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Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

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Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Regen Planning Conference

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Elmhurst Energy CPD

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Natural Light

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

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

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

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Property Development Forum

Class Q Planning Permission

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

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Appeal Success Near St Ives

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

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

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Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

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Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Penzance Business Breakfast

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

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Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

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Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Grand Designs

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Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

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Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

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Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

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Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

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Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

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Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

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National Planning Policy Framework

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Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

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Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

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Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

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Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Waterside Lookout

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

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Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

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CESW Summit 2026

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Affordable Housing Success

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Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

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Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

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Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

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Business Cornwall – March 2026