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

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

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

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

The Experts

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

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Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Small Housing Schemes

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

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Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Penzance Business Breakfast

Building for Growth

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

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Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Waterside Lookout

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Grand Designs

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Building for Growth

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

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Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Natural Light

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

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Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

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Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

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Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Affordable Housing Success

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Property Development Forum

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

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Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Class Q Planning Permission

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

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

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Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

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

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Regen Planning Conference

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

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Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

CESW Summit 2026

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

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National Planning Policy Framework

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Planning Success in Tintagel

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

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Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Property Development Forum

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

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Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

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