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

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Natural Light

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

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Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Why Do a Self Build?

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

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Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

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Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

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The Experts

Small Housing Schemes

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

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Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

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National Planning Policy Framework

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Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

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Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

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Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

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Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

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

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

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Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Property Development Forum

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

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Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

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CESW Summit 2026

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Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

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Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Regen Planning Conference

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Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Affordable Housing Success

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

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Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

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Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

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

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Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

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Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

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River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Class Q Planning Permission

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Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

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Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

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Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Penzance Business Breakfast

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Non-Material Amendment Success

Property Development Forum

Appeal Success Near St Ives

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Planning Success in Tintagel

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Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

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