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

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

National Planning Policy Framework

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Grand Designs

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Affordable Housing Success

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Class Q Planning Permission

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Considering a Home Extension?

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

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Building for Growth

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Vickery Holman Market Review

Waterside Lookout

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Planning Success in Tintagel

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Property Development Forum

Should I use an Architect?

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Regen Planning Conference

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

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

Small Housing Schemes

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Seaside Sensation

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Penzance Business Breakfast

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

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

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Property Development Forum

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Natural Light

How to Finance a Self-Build

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

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

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Why Do a Self Build?

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

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

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Elmhurst Energy CPD

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

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

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

How to Find a Building Plot

The Experts

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

CESW Summit 2026

Building for Growth

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026