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

Planning Appeal Success for Equestrian Building

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Every Project Has More Than One Story to Tell

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

Architecture in Fowey | Laurence Associates

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

A Contemporary Coastal Home by Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Seaside Sensation

Appeal Success for Agricultural Workers Dwelling Near Penzance

Coastal Home Design in Devon & Cornwall

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

A Busy Week of Progress Across the Practice

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Securing Consent for 11 Bespoke Holiday Units in Mawgan Porth

Natural Light

Designing Homes Shaped by Landscape and Views in Rural Cornwall

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Small Housing Schemes

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Section 73 Planning Success for Self-Build in Cornwall | Laurence Associates

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

Sensitive Design Approach for Barn Conversion Window Proposal

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Traditional Barn Conversion Approved | Building Regulations Success

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

New premises & 30 Years in the business

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

Town Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Planning Appeal Success to Building Regulations Approval

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

Property Development Forum

Redruth Housing Scheme Approved

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Planning Permission Secured for Rural Replacement Dwelling

Contemporary Roof Extension in Cornwall | Sustainable Residential Design

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Final Days at the Devon County Show for Laurence Associates

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

New Project Showcase | A New Collection of Laurence Associates Projects

Non-Material Amendment Success

How to Finance a Self-Build

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

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

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

Certificate of Lawfulness Secured for Residential Caravan Use

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Architectural Technician Job in Truro Cornwall | Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Energy Statements: Why They Matter for Planning Applications

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Summer in the City Networking Event | Laurence Associates Exeter

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Master Planning That Creates Places for the Future

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Penzance Business Breakfast

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

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

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

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Business Cornwall – March 2026

James Vivian Promoted to Associate Director

Laurence Associates prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

11 Bespoke Holiday Units Designed for Mawgan Porth

Housing Land Supply Changes: What They Mean for Planning

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Contemporary Countryside Living: Reimagining Your Home in Cornwall

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Building for Growth

Committee Success Secures Permission in Principle for New Homes

New National Planning Policy Framework Published | Laurence Associates

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Town Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Work Experience Week: Exploring Architecture and Structural Engineering

Affordable Housing Success

Work Experience Spotlight: Elsie’s Week at Laurence Associates

Permission in Principle Secured for Six New Dwellings in Redruth

Inside A Coastal Cornwall Residential Project

Considering a Home Extension?

Planning Success in Tintagel

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Architectural Technician Job in Truro Cornwall | Part 2 Architectural Assistant

How to Find a Building Plot

Housing Land Supply Changes: What They Mean for Planning

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Planning consent secured for replacement wind turbine

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

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

Planning Committee Reforms in England What You Need to Know

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Planning Approved for Farmhouse Extension on Bodmin Moor

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Waterside Lookout

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Building for Growth

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

New Project Collection Coming Soon

Celebrating 20 Years of Creativity and Leadership with Jason Pledger

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Adaptive Reuse Architecture | Blending Heritage with Modern Design

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Laurence Associates Supports the Peloton Charity Golf Day 2026

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

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Planning Appeal Success for Permission in Principle Scheme

Vickery Holman Market Review

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026 Architecture and Planning Support

The Experts

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Conditional Planning Permission Secured for Five Homes in Bodmin

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Functional Living in a Contemporary Cornish Home

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates at SLR Consulting’s Segway Olympics

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Planning Permission Secured for Padstow Conservation Area Outbuildings

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Exploring Contemporary Materials and Colour in Cornish Architecture

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Self-Build and Custom Build Homes with Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

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

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

East Allington Permission in Principle success for five new homes

A First Look: Behind the Scenes of Our Latest Completed Project

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

From Sketch to Reality: Architectural Visualisation

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Consent Secured for Amendments to Housing Scheme in Gweek

The Built Environment Network – Trevelver Farm

Laurence Associates Featured in Salt Magazine

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Architecture Vogue – Humble Cottage

Why Do a Self Build?

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Class Q Planning Permission

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

Visit Laurence Associates at the Devon County Show This Week

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

Construction Excellence Southwest Cornwall Summer Boat Trip

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Farm Diversification Opportunities in the Southwest

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Residential Project Site Update | Progress on Site

Should I use an Architect?

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Contemporary Countryside Living: Reimagining Your Home in Cornwall

Laurence Associates Attending Stithians Show 2026

Coastal Cornish Home Design | Contemporary Architecture

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Property Development Forum

Blending Architecture into the Devon Countryside Through Materiality

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Navigating Building Regulations in Cornwall: A Design Led Approach

Building Safety Act | Building Regulations Principal Designer

Principal Designer Services | CDM 2015 Compliance

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Cornish Replacement Dwelling Submitted for Building Regulations

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Padstow Conservation Area Extension Approved

CESW Summit 2026

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Construction Drawings Explained: What They Include and Why They Matter

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

National Planning Policy Framework

Grand Designs

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

BNG Exemption for Small Development Sites

Three Successful Planning Applications on One Site

Regen Planning Conference

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Architecture Vogue – Breakwater

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Creating Seamless Indoor Outdoor Living Spaces