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 Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Planning Appeal Allowed Near Helston for 6 to 9 Dwellings

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Non-Material Amendment Success

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Construction Excellence Southwest Cornwall Summer Boat Trip

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Laurence Associates Attending Stithians Show 2026

Blending Architecture into the Devon Countryside Through Materiality

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

New Project Showcase | A New Collection of Laurence Associates Projects

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Summer in the City Networking Event | Laurence Associates Exeter

The Built Environment Network – Westcliff

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Architecture in Fowey | Laurence Associates

Small Housing Schemes

The Experts

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Meet Ellen | Architect & Passivhaus Designer at Laurence Associates

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

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

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

Laurence Associates Featured in Salt Magazine

Permission in Principle Secured for Six New Dwellings in Redruth

Waterside Lookout

Adaptive Reuse Architecture | Blending Heritage with Modern Design

Penzance Business Breakfast

From Sketch to Reality: Architectural Visualisation

Contemporary Roof Extension in Cornwall | Sustainable Residential Design

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Building Regulations Approval for a Contemporary Home

Navigating Building Regulations in Cornwall: A Design Led Approach

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Conditional Planning Permission Secured for Five Homes in Bodmin

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

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026 Architecture and Planning Support

Planning Appeal Success to Building Regulations Approval

Creating Seamless Indoor Outdoor Living Spaces

The Built Environment Network – Trevelver Farm

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Planning Committee Reforms in England What You Need to Know

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Cornwall Planning Constraints & NPPF Updates | Laurence Associates

A Busy Week of Progress Across the Practice

Functional Living in a Contemporary Cornish Home

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Energy Statements: Why They Matter for Planning Applications

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

New Project Collection Coming Soon

Architectural Technician Job in Truro Cornwall | Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Housing Land Supply Changes: What They Mean for Planning

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

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

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

BNG Exemption for Small Development Sites

Cornish Replacement Dwelling Submitted for Building Regulations

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Sensitive Design Approach for Barn Conversion Window Proposal

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Architecture Vogue – Humble Cottage

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

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

Padstow Conservation Area Extension Approved

Designing Homes Shaped by Landscape and Views in Rural Cornwall

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Visit Laurence Associates at the Devon County Show This Week

Housing Land Supply Changes: What They Mean for Planning

Master Planning That Creates Places for the Future

11 Bespoke Holiday Units Designed for Mawgan Porth

A Contemporary Coastal Home by Laurence Associates

Contemporary Home Renovation

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Cottage Renovation & Contemporary Extension in St Austell, Cornwall

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Regen Planning Conference

Welcome Igor Talbot to Laurence Associates | Graduate Planner

Traditional Barn Conversion Approved | Building Regulations Success

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

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Seaside Sensation

Consent Secured for Amendments to Housing Scheme in Gweek

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Two Dwellings Approved in Roseland Peninsula National Landscape

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Final Days at the Devon County Show for Laurence Associates

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Contemporary Countryside Living: Reimagining Your Home in Cornwall

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

A First Look at Our Latest Architectural Project

CESW Summit 2026

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Appeal Success for Agricultural Workers Dwelling Near Penzance

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

Planning Approved for Farmhouse Extension on Bodmin Moor

Work Experience Spotlight: Elsie’s Week at Laurence Associates

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Planning consent secured for replacement wind turbine

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Laurence Associates Supports the Peloton Charity Golf Day 2026

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Why Do a Self Build?

Permission in Principle Secured for One Dwelling in Treleigh, Cornwall

Construction Drawings Explained: What They Include and Why They Matter

RIBA Stage 4 Part 2: Taking Your Design from Approval to Construction

Coastal Home Design in Devon & Cornwall

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Natural Light

Architectural Technician Job in Truro Cornwall | Part 2 Architectural Assistant

Polzeath Campsite Secures Year-Round Planning Permission

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Work Experience Week: Exploring Architecture and Structural Engineering

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Building for Growth

Laurence Associates Becomes a Certified B Corporation | Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Town Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Considering a Home Extension?

Building for Growth

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Planning Strategy & Residential Development | Laurence Associates

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Vickery Holman Market Review

New Project Collection Coming Soon

Commercial Outdoor Kitchen Planning Permission

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

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

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Architecture Vogue – Breakwater

Every Project Has More Than One Story to Tell

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Royal Cornwall Show 2026

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

National Planning Policy Framework

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

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

Inside A Coastal Cornwall Residential Project

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

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Certificate of Lawfulness Secured for Residential Caravan Use

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

Laurence Associates at the Michelmores event in Exeter

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

New National Planning Policy Framework Published | Laurence Associates

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

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

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Contemporary Countryside Living: Reimagining Your Home in Cornwall

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

Laurence Associates at the CLA Southwest AGM

Town Planner Job Vacancy in Truro | Laurence Associates

Planning Appeal Success for Permission in Principle Scheme

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Principal Designer Services | CDM 2015 Compliance

Should I use an Architect?

Property Development Forum

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Planning Success in Tintagel

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

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

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Securing Consent for 11 Bespoke Holiday Units in Mawgan Porth

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Boat House Building Regulations Approval in Feock | Laurence Associates

Grand Designs

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

New Bungalow Gains Building Regulations Approval

Exploring Contemporary Materials and Colour in Cornish Architecture

Affordable Housing Success

East Allington Permission in Principle success for five new homes

How to Find a Building Plot

Redruth Housing Scheme Approved

Planning Permission Secured for Padstow Conservation Area Outbuildings

Self-Build and Custom Build Homes with Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Laurence Associates at the CESW Cornwall Club Black Tie Ball

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

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

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Planning Permission Secured for Rural Replacement Dwelling

Committee Success Secures Permission in Principle for New Homes

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

James Vivian Promoted to Associate Director

Three Successful Planning Applications on One Site

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Celebrating 20 Years of Creativity and Leadership with Jason Pledger

Laurence Associates at SLR Consulting’s Segway Olympics

Building Safety Act | Building Regulations Principal Designer

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Meet Will | Architectural Assistant at Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Coastal Cornish Home Design | Contemporary Architecture

Class Q Planning Permission

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Meet Tait | Architectural Assistant at Laurence Associates

Residential Project Site Update | Progress on Site

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Section 106 Agreement Revoked Near Porthtowan

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Planning Appeal Success for Equestrian Building

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Laurence Associates Mission

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

How to Finance a Self-Build

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

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Farm Diversification Opportunities in the Southwest

Property Development Forum

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Laurence Associates prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Planning Permission Secured for Coastal Home Extension in Cornwall