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

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Master Planning That Creates Places for the Future

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

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

Creating Seamless Indoor Outdoor Living Spaces

Regen Planning Conference

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Committee Success Secures Permission in Principle for New Homes

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

From Sketch to Reality: Architectural Visualisation

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

James Vivian Promoted to Associate Director

Consent Secured for Amendments to Housing Scheme in Gweek

Planning Committee Reforms in England What You Need to Know

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

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

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Appeal Success for Agricultural Workers Dwelling Near Penzance

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Planning Success in Tintagel

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Should I use an Architect?

Self-Build and Custom Build Homes with Laurence Associates

Planning Appeal Success to Building Regulations Approval

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Architecture in Fowey | Laurence Associates

Traditional Barn Conversion Approved | Building Regulations Success

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Affordable Housing Success

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Exploring Contemporary Materials and Colour in Cornish Architecture

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Work Experience Spotlight: Elsie’s Week at Laurence Associates

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Non-Material Amendment Success

Planning Appeal Success for Permission in Principle Scheme

Planning and Designing Padel Courts for the UK’s Fastest Growing Sport

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Laurence Associates prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Small Housing Schemes

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Adaptive Reuse Architecture | Blending Heritage with Modern Design

Architect Jobs in Cornwall | Architect Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

New Project Showcase | A New Collection of Laurence Associates Projects

Grand Designs

Cornish Replacement Dwelling Submitted for Building Regulations

Planning Permission Secured for Padstow Conservation Area Outbuildings

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Housing Land Supply Changes: What They Mean for Planning

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Residential Project Site Update | Progress on Site

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

Farm Diversification Opportunities in the Southwest

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Conditional Planning Permission Secured for Five Homes in Bodmin

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

East Allington Permission in Principle success for five new homes

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Architectural Technician Job in Truro Cornwall | Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Planning Appeals Explained | What to Do If Your Planning Application Is Refused

Property Development Forum

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

Laurence Associates Attending Stithians Show 2026

Laurence Associates Featured in Salt Magazine

Celebrating 20 Years of Creativity and Leadership with Jason Pledger

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Architecture Vogue – Humble Cottage

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Designing Homes Shaped by Landscape and Views in Rural Cornwall

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

How to Find a Building Plot

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Natural Light

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Navigating Building Regulations in Cornwall: A Design Led Approach

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Final Days at the Devon County Show for Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Work Experience Week: Exploring Architecture and Structural Engineering

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Energy Statements: Why They Matter for Planning Applications

Padstow Conservation Area Extension Approved

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Business Cornwall – March 2026

11 Bespoke Holiday Units Designed for Mawgan Porth

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026 Architecture and Planning Support

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

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

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Planning consent secured for replacement wind turbine

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Summer in the City Networking Event | Laurence Associates Exeter

Coastal Home Design in Devon & Cornwall

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Planning Approved for Farmhouse Extension on Bodmin Moor

BNG Exemption for Small Development Sites

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Class Q Planning Permission

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Planning Permission Secured for Change of Use to self-contained letting unit in Penzance

Visit Laurence Associates at the Devon County Show This Week

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Building for Growth

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Architect Jobs in Cornwall | Architect Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Every Project Has More Than One Story to Tell

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

National Planning Policy Framework

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

How to Finance a Self-Build

Seaside Sensation

Why Do a Self Build?

Sensitive Design Approach for Barn Conversion Window Proposal

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Supports the Peloton Charity Golf Day 2026

Town Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Architectural Technician Job in Truro Cornwall | Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

New Project Collection Coming Soon

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Building for Growth

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Vickery Holman Market Review

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Building Safety Act | Building Regulations Principal Designer

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Securing Consent for 11 Bespoke Holiday Units in Mawgan Porth

Functional Living in a Contemporary Cornish Home

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

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Construction Excellence Southwest Cornwall Summer Boat Trip

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

Penzance Business Breakfast

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Inside A Coastal Cornwall Residential Project

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

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Housing Land Supply Changes: What They Mean for Planning

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Considering a Home Extension?

Principal Designer Services | CDM 2015 Compliance

CESW Summit 2026

Contemporary Roof Extension in Cornwall | Sustainable Residential Design

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

The Experts

Waterside Lookout

Planning Appeal Success for Equestrian Building

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Redruth Housing Scheme Approved

A Busy Week of Progress Across the Practice

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Planning Within Cornwall’s World Heritage Site | What You Need to Know

Coastal Cornish Home Design | Contemporary Architecture

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Property Development Forum

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026