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

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

How to Finance a Self-Build

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

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

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Planning Success in Tintagel

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Regen Planning Conference

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

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

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Building for Growth

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

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

Class Q Planning Permission

Building for Growth

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

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Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Should I use an Architect?

Property Development Forum

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Why Do a Self Build?

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Seaside Sensation

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Property Development Forum

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Business Cornwall – March 2026

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

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Waterside Lookout

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Considering a Home Extension?

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Vickery Holman Market Review

Affordable Housing Success

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Small Housing Schemes

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

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Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

CESW Summit 2026

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Penzance Business Breakfast

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

National Planning Policy Framework

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

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

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

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Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Natural Light

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

The Experts

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Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

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Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

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