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

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Waterside Lookout

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

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

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

CESW Summit 2026

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

National Planning Policy Framework

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

How to Finance a Self-Build

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Building for Growth

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Regen Planning Conference

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Planning Success in Tintagel

Building for Growth

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Should I use an Architect?

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

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

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

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

A considered evolution of a familiar form

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Visit Laurence Associates at the Devon County Show This Week

Affordable Housing Success

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Small Housing Schemes

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

A Busy Week of Progress Across the Practice

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Farm Diversification Opportunities in the Southwest

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Property Development Forum

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Our First Newsletter Is Live | Latest Projects, News & Events

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

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

How to Find a Building Plot

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Property Development Forum

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Vickery Holman Market Review

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Final Days at the Devon County Show for Laurence Associates

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

The Experts

Grand Designs

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Natural Light

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

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

Non-Material Amendment Success

Considering a Home Extension?

Why Do a Self Build?

Planning Approved for Farmhouse Extension on Bodmin Moor

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Seaside Sensation

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Penzance Business Breakfast

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Class Q Planning Permission

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

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

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates