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

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Planning Appeal Success for Permission in Principle Scheme

Creating Seamless Indoor Outdoor Living Spaces

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Self-Build and Custom Build Homes with Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Seaside Sensation

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Designing Homes Shaped by Landscape and Views in Rural Cornwall

Exploring Contemporary Materials and Colour in Cornish Architecture

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Property Development Forum

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Planning Appeal Success for Equestrian Building

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Energy Statements: Why They Matter for Planning Applications

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

How to Find a Building Plot

Work Experience Week: Exploring Architecture and Structural Engineering

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

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

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

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Housing Land Supply Changes: What They Mean for Planning

Planning Appeal Success to Building Regulations Approval

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

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

James Vivian Promoted to Associate Director

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Every Project Has More Than One Story to Tell

Laurence Associates prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

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

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Final Days at the Devon County Show for Laurence Associates

Appeal Success for Agricultural Workers Dwelling Near Penzance

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Considering a Home Extension?

A Busy Week of Progress Across the Practice

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Functional Living in a Contemporary Cornish Home

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Principal Designer Services | CDM 2015 Compliance

East Allington Permission in Principle success for five new homes

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Architecture Vogue – Humble Cottage

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Planning Approved for Farmhouse Extension on Bodmin Moor

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

National Planning Policy Framework

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Redruth Housing Scheme Approved

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Traditional Barn Conversion Approved | Building Regulations Success

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

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

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

The Experts

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Coastal Home Design in Devon & Cornwall

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

Vickery Holman Market Review

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Class Q Planning Permission

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Planning consent secured for replacement wind turbine

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

Contemporary Roof Extension in Cornwall | Sustainable Residential Design

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Natural Light

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026 Architecture and Planning Support

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

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

From Sketch to Reality: Architectural Visualisation

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

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

Penzance Business Breakfast

Regen Planning Conference

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Supports the Peloton Charity Golf Day 2026

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Building for Growth

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Planning Success in Tintagel

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Inside A Coastal Cornwall Residential Project

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Why Do a Self Build?

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Farm Diversification Opportunities in the Southwest

Laurence Associates Attending Stithians Show 2026

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Grand Designs

Non-Material Amendment Success

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

Coastal Cornish Home Design | Contemporary Architecture

Small Housing Schemes

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Building for Growth

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Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Committee Success Secures Permission in Principle for New Homes

Planning Committee Reforms in England What You Need to Know

Planning Permission Secured for Padstow Conservation Area Outbuildings

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Affordable Housing Success

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Construction Excellence Southwest Cornwall Summer Boat Trip

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Visit Laurence Associates at the Devon County Show This Week

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

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Master Planning That Creates Places for the Future

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

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Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Laurence Associates Featured in Salt Magazine

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

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Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Property Development Forum

Town Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

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Architectural Technician Job in Truro Cornwall | Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Cornish Replacement Dwelling Submitted for Building Regulations

CESW Summit 2026

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

Waterside Lookout

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Should I use an Architect?

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect