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

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Class Q Planning Permission

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Property Development Forum

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Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

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Property Development Forum

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Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

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Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

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Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

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Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

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Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

Regen Planning Conference

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Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

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Farm Diversification Opportunities in the Southwest

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

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Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

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Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

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Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

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

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

National Planning Policy Framework

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

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Waterside Lookout

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

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Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

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Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

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Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

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Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

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Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

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Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

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Business Cornwall – March 2026

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

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Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

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Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

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