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

Regen Planning Conference

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Grand Designs

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Class Q Planning Permission

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Small Housing Schemes

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Penzance Business Breakfast

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

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Building for Growth

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Waterside Lookout

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Affordable Housing Success

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

New premises & 30 Years in the business

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

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

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

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

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Seaside Sensation

Why Do a Self Build?

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

CESW Summit 2026

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

National Planning Policy Framework

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

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

How to Find a Building Plot

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Property Development Forum

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Vickery Holman Market Review

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Property Development Forum

Building for Growth

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

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

Natural Light

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Planning Success in Tintagel

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Should I use an Architect?

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

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

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

How to Finance a Self-Build

The Experts

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner