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

Property Development Forum

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Self-Build and Custom Build Homes with Laurence Associates

Penzance Business Breakfast

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

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Coastal Cornish Home Design | Contemporary Architecture

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

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

The Built Environment Network – Westcliff

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Construction Excellence Southwest Cornwall Summer Boat Trip

New Project Showcase | A New Collection of Laurence Associates Projects

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

How to Finance a Self-Build

Appeal Success for Agricultural Workers Dwelling Near Penzance

Waterside Lookout

Cornish Replacement Dwelling Submitted for Building Regulations

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

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

Why Do a Self Build?

Planning Appeal Success for Equestrian Building

Building for Growth

Planning Success in Tintagel

Contemporary Countryside Living: Reimagining Your Home in Cornwall

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Exploring Contemporary Materials and Colour in Cornish Architecture

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Committee Success Secures Permission in Principle for New Homes

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Designing Homes Shaped by Landscape and Views in Rural Cornwall

Securing Consent for 11 Bespoke Holiday Units in Mawgan Porth

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Laurence Associates Attending Stithians Show 2026

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Cottage Renovation & Contemporary Extension in St Austell, Cornwall

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

A Busy Week of Progress Across the Practice

Planning Approved for Farmhouse Extension on Bodmin Moor

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Visit Laurence Associates at the Devon County Show This Week

The Experts

Construction Drawings Explained: What They Include and Why They Matter

Class Q Planning Permission

Permission in Principle Secured for Six New Dwellings in Redruth

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

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Sensitive Design Approach for Barn Conversion Window Proposal

Functional Living in a Contemporary Cornish Home

Architectural Technician Job in Truro Cornwall | Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

How to Find a Building Plot

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026 Architecture and Planning Support

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Planning Appeals Explained | What to Do If Your Planning Application Is Refused

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Natural Light

Vickery Holman Market Review

Final Days at the Devon County Show for Laurence Associates

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Consent Secured for Amendments to Housing Scheme in Gweek

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

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

New National Planning Policy Framework Published | Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Building Safety Act | Building Regulations Principal Designer

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Small Housing Schemes

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Planning Appeal Allowed Near Helston for 6 to 9 Dwellings

Architectural Technician Job in Truro Cornwall | Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Work Experience Week: Exploring Architecture and Structural Engineering

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

The Built Environment Network – Trevelver Farm

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Energy Statements: Why They Matter for Planning Applications

Contemporary Roof Extension in Cornwall | Sustainable Residential Design

Property Development Forum

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Planning consent secured for replacement wind turbine

RIBA Stage 4 Part 2: Taking Your Design from Approval to Construction

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Planning and Designing Padel Courts for the UK’s Fastest Growing Sport

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Three Successful Planning Applications on One Site

Seaside Sensation

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

CESW Summit 2026

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Summer in the City Networking Event | Laurence Associates Exeter

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Laurence Associates prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Padstow Conservation Area Extension Approved

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

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Architecture in Fowey | Laurence Associates

James Vivian Promoted to Associate Director

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Building for Growth

Planning Appeal Success to Building Regulations Approval

Planning Appeals Explained | What to Do If Your Planning Application Is Refused

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Housing Land Supply Changes: What They Mean for Planning

Every Project Has More Than One Story to Tell

Planning Permission Secured for Coastal Home Extension in Cornwall

Planning Permission Secured for Change of Use to self-contained letting unit in Penzance

Should I use an Architect?

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

A First Look: Behind the Scenes of Our Latest Completed Project

Architect Jobs in Cornwall | Architect Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Town Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Contemporary Home Renovation

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Grand Designs

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

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Regen Planning Conference

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Considering a Home Extension?

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Affordable Housing Success

Redruth Housing Scheme Approved

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Laurence Associates Becomes a Certified B Corporation | Cornwall

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Creating Seamless Indoor Outdoor Living Spaces

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Residential Project Site Update | Progress on Site

National Planning Policy Framework

Architecture Vogue – Humble Cottage

Master Planning That Creates Places for the Future

Cornwall Planning Constraints & NPPF Updates | Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Planning Appeal Success for Permission in Principle Scheme

Town Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Work Experience Spotlight: Elsie’s Week at Laurence Associates

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Welcome Igor Talbot to Laurence Associates | Graduate Planner

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

A Contemporary Coastal Home by Laurence Associates

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Navigating Building Regulations in Cornwall: A Design Led Approach

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Blending Architecture into the Devon Countryside Through Materiality

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Certificate of Lawfulness Secured for Residential Caravan Use

Farm Diversification Opportunities in the Southwest

Business Cornwall – March 2026

11 Bespoke Holiday Units Designed for Mawgan Porth

Laurence Associates Featured in Salt Magazine

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Conditional Planning Permission Secured for Five Homes in Bodmin

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

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Housing Land Supply Changes: What They Mean for Planning

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Meet Tait | Architectural Assistant at Laurence Associates

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Planning Permission Secured for Rural Replacement Dwelling

Planning Strategy & Residential Development | Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

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Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

New Project Collection Coming Soon

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Traditional Barn Conversion Approved | Building Regulations Success

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Laurence Associates Supports the Peloton Charity Golf Day 2026

Non-Material Amendment Success

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Laurence Associates at the CLA Southwest AGM

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Coastal Home Design in Devon & Cornwall

BNG Exemption for Small Development Sites

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Polzeath Campsite Secures Year-Round Planning Permission

Planning Permission Secured for Padstow Conservation Area Outbuildings

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

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

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

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Architecture Vogue – Breakwater

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Principal Designer Services | CDM 2015 Compliance

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Planning Committee Reforms in England What You Need to Know

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

From Sketch to Reality: Architectural Visualisation

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Adaptive Reuse Architecture | Blending Heritage with Modern Design

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

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

Meet Will | Architectural Assistant at Laurence Associates

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Laurence Associates at SLR Consulting’s Segway Olympics

Contemporary Countryside Living: Reimagining Your Home in Cornwall

East Allington Permission in Principle success for five new homes