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

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Securing Consent for 11 Bespoke Holiday Units in Mawgan Porth

Energy Statements: Why They Matter for Planning Applications

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Planning Permission Secured for Padstow Conservation Area Outbuildings

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

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

Section 106 Agreement Revoked Near Porthtowan

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

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Meet Tait | Architectural Assistant at Laurence Associates

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Farm Diversification Opportunities in the Southwest

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Work Experience Spotlight: Elsie’s Week at Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Construction Excellence Southwest Cornwall Summer Boat Trip

Blending Architecture into the Devon Countryside Through Materiality

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Planning Success in Tintagel

Contemporary Countryside Living: Reimagining Your Home in Cornwall

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026 Architecture and Planning Support

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

A Contemporary Coastal Home by Laurence Associates

Town Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Laurence Associates at SLR Consulting’s Segway Olympics

Property Development Forum

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

Why Do a Self Build?

Inside A Coastal Cornwall Residential Project

Designing Homes Shaped by Landscape and Views in Rural Cornwall

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Planning Appeal Success for Equestrian Building

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Laurence Associates Becomes a Certified B Corporation | Cornwall

Planning consent secured for replacement wind turbine

Visit Laurence Associates at the Devon County Show This Week

Penzance Business Breakfast

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Small Housing Schemes

Non-Material Amendment Success

Celebrating 20 Years of Creativity and Leadership with Jason Pledger

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Building Safety Act | Building Regulations Principal Designer

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Grand Designs

Contemporary Countryside Living: Reimagining Your Home in Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Breakwater

How to Finance a Self-Build

James Vivian Promoted to Associate Director

Redruth Housing Scheme Approved

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Navigating Building Regulations in Cornwall: A Design Led Approach

Residential Project Site Update | Progress on Site

Traditional Barn Conversion Approved | Building Regulations Success

Planning Strategy & Residential Development | Laurence Associates

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Appeal Success for Agricultural Workers Dwelling Near Penzance

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Adaptive Reuse Architecture | Blending Heritage with Modern Design

Final Days at the Devon County Show for Laurence Associates

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

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

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

Welcome Igor Talbot to Laurence Associates | Graduate Planner

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Coastal Cornish Home Design | Contemporary Architecture

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Architecture in Fowey | Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Waterside Lookout

Vickery Holman Market Review

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

How to Find a Building Plot

Laurence Associates Supports the Peloton Charity Golf Day 2026

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

The Built Environment Network – Trevelver Farm

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

New National Planning Policy Framework Published | Laurence Associates

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

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

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Certificate of Lawfulness Secured for Residential Caravan Use

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Cottage Renovation & Contemporary Extension in St Austell, Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Coastal Home Design in Devon & Cornwall

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Regen Planning Conference

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Committee Success Secures Permission in Principle for New Homes

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Construction Drawings Explained: What They Include and Why They Matter

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Cornwall Planning Constraints & NPPF Updates | Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Featured in Salt Magazine

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Planning Appeal Allowed Near Helston for 6 to 9 Dwellings

Town Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

11 Bespoke Holiday Units Designed for Mawgan Porth

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

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

New Project Showcase | A New Collection of Laurence Associates Projects

Cornish Replacement Dwelling Submitted for Building Regulations

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

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

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Contemporary Home Renovation

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Building for Growth

Sensitive Design Approach for Barn Conversion Window Proposal

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Permission in Principle Secured for Six New Dwellings in Redruth

CESW Summit 2026

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

Self-Build and Custom Build Homes with Laurence Associates

From Sketch to Reality: Architectural Visualisation

A Busy Week of Progress Across the Practice

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Housing Land Supply Changes: What They Mean for Planning

Work Experience Week: Exploring Architecture and Structural Engineering

Exploring Contemporary Materials and Colour in Cornish Architecture

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

Consent Secured for Amendments to Housing Scheme in Gweek

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Class Q Planning Permission

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Functional Living in a Contemporary Cornish Home

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Housing Land Supply Changes: What They Mean for Planning

Principal Designer Services | CDM 2015 Compliance

Planning Appeal Success for Permission in Principle Scheme

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Three Successful Planning Applications on One Site

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Every Project Has More Than One Story to Tell

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

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

Planning Permission Secured for Rural Replacement Dwelling

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

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

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

East Allington Permission in Principle success for five new homes

Architectural Technician Job in Truro Cornwall | Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Considering a Home Extension?

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Laurence Associates prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Laurence Associates Attending Stithians Show 2026

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Seaside Sensation

Creating Seamless Indoor Outdoor Living Spaces

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Building for Growth

Affordable Housing Success

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Architecture Vogue – Humble Cottage

Architectural Technician Job in Truro Cornwall | Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Planning Appeal Success to Building Regulations Approval

Polzeath Campsite Secures Year-Round Planning Permission

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

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Should I use an Architect?

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Planning Committee Reforms in England What You Need to Know

Property Development Forum

Conditional Planning Permission Secured for Five Homes in Bodmin

Planning Approved for Farmhouse Extension on Bodmin Moor

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Planning Permission Secured for Coastal Home Extension in Cornwall

Planning Within Cornwall’s World Heritage Site | What You Need to Know

National Planning Policy Framework

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

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

New Project Collection Coming Soon

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

The Built Environment Network – Westcliff

BNG Exemption for Small Development Sites

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

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Natural Light

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Meet Will | Architectural Assistant at Laurence Associates

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

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

Summer in the City Networking Event | Laurence Associates Exeter

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Laurence Associates at the CLA Southwest AGM

Laurence Associates at the CESW Cornwall Club Black Tie Ball

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Padstow Conservation Area Extension Approved

Contemporary Roof Extension in Cornwall | Sustainable Residential Design

Master Planning That Creates Places for the Future

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

The Experts

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Meet Ellen | Architect & Passivhaus Designer at Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel