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

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

The Experts

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

How to Finance a Self-Build

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Seaside Sensation

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Property Development Forum

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Should I use an Architect?

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Property Development Forum

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

How to Find a Building Plot

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Waterside Lookout

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Class Q Planning Permission

Small Housing Schemes

Building for Growth

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

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

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

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

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Natural Light

Affordable Housing Success

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Building for Growth

Planning Success in Tintagel

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Why Do a Self Build?

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

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Vickery Holman Market Review

New premises & 30 Years in the business

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

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

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

CESW Summit 2026

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

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

Regen Planning Conference

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Penzance Business Breakfast

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

National Planning Policy Framework

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Grand Designs

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock