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

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

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

Penzance Business Breakfast

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Regen Planning Conference

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Class Q Planning Permission

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Natural Light

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Building for Growth

Grand Designs

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Small Housing Schemes

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

The Experts

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Building for Growth

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

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

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Planning Success in Tintagel

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

New premises & 30 Years in the business

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Should I use an Architect?

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Affordable Housing Success

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Seaside Sensation

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Property Development Forum

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

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

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Considering a Home Extension?

Property Development Forum

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

CESW Summit 2026

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Why Do a Self Build?

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

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Vickery Holman Market Review

How to Find a Building Plot

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

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

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

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

How to Finance a Self-Build

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

National Planning Policy Framework

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Waterside Lookout