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

Contemporary Countryside Living: Reimagining Your Home in Cornwall

Certificate of Lawfulness Secured for Residential Caravan Use

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Securing Consent for 11 Bespoke Holiday Units in Mawgan Porth

Planning Appeal Success for Equestrian Building

Planning Permission Secured for Rural Replacement Dwelling

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

New National Planning Policy Framework Published | Laurence Associates

The Built Environment Network – Trevelver Farm

Why Do a Self Build?

How to Finance a Self-Build

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Padstow Conservation Area Extension Approved

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

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Business Cornwall – March 2026

BNG Exemption for Small Development Sites

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Committee Success Secures Permission in Principle for New Homes

Residential Project Site Update | Progress on Site

Building for Growth

Natural Light

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Small Housing Schemes

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Affordable Housing Success

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

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Conditional Planning Permission Secured for Five Homes in Bodmin

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Functional Living in a Contemporary Cornish Home

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Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

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Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026 Architecture and Planning Support

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

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Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

The Experts

Principal Designer Services | CDM 2015 Compliance

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Planning Permission Secured for Padstow Conservation Area Outbuildings

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

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Class Q Planning Permission

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Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Traditional Barn Conversion Approved | Building Regulations Success

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Laurence Associates prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Three Successful Planning Applications on One Site

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Consent Secured for Amendments to Housing Scheme in Gweek

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Planning consent secured for replacement wind turbine

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Town Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Building Safety Act | Building Regulations Principal Designer

Appeal Success Near St Ives

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Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

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Planning Appeal Success for Permission in Principle Scheme

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Sensitive Design Approach for Barn Conversion Window Proposal

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Vickery Holman Market Review

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Designing Homes Shaped by Landscape and Views in Rural Cornwall

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

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Architecture Vogue – Breakwater

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Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

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New premises & 30 Years in the business

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A Busy Week of Progress Across the Practice

New Project Showcase | A New Collection of Laurence Associates Projects

Section 73 Planning Success for Self-Build in Cornwall | Laurence Associates

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Penzance Business Breakfast

Cornish Replacement Dwelling Submitted for Building Regulations

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Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

Every Project Has More Than One Story to Tell

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Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

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Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

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Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Appeal Success for Agricultural Workers Dwelling Near Penzance

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Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Housing Land Supply Changes: What They Mean for Planning

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Contemporary Roof Extension in Cornwall | Sustainable Residential Design

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

James Vivian Promoted to Associate Director

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Agricultural Barn Development Advice

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Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

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CESW Summit 2026

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Seaside Sensation

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Planning Appeal Success to Building Regulations Approval

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Planning Success in Tintagel

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

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Redruth Housing Scheme Approved

11 Bespoke Holiday Units Designed for Mawgan Porth

Should I use an Architect?

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Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

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Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

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Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

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Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

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National Planning Policy Framework

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Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

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Property Development Forum

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

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East Allington Permission in Principle success for five new homes

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

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Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

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

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

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Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

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Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

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Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Regen Planning Conference

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Property Development Forum

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Planning Approved for Farmhouse Extension on Bodmin Moor

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

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Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

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Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

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Non-Material Amendment Success