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

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Building for Growth

Vickery Holman Market Review

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Natural Light

Building for Growth

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Why Do a Self Build?

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

How to Find a Building Plot

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

Class Q Planning Permission

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

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

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Property Development Forum

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Small Housing Schemes

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

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

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Planning Success in Tintagel

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Business Cornwall – March 2026

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Considering a Home Extension?

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Affordable Housing Success

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

National Planning Policy Framework

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Grand Designs

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

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Penzance Business Breakfast

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Seaside Sensation

Should I use an Architect?

Property Development Forum

Regen Planning Conference

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

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

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

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

How to Finance a Self-Build

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

The Experts

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Elmhurst Energy CPD

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

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

CESW Summit 2026

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Waterside Lookout

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

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home