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”.

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

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

Final Days at the Devon County Show for Laurence Associates

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

A Busy Week of Progress Across the Practice

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Seaside Sensation

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Planning Success in Tintagel

Vickery Holman Market Review

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

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Natural Light

How to Finance a Self-Build

Regen Planning Conference

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

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Royal Cornwall Show 2026

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

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Business Cornwall – March 2026

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Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Non-Material Amendment Success

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Planning Approved for Farmhouse Extension on Bodmin Moor

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

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A considered evolution of a familiar form

Class Q Planning Permission

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CESW Summit 2026

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

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Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Small Housing Schemes

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Farm Diversification Opportunities in the Southwest

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

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Self-Build and Custom Build Homes with Laurence Associates

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

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Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

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3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

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Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Visit Laurence Associates at the Devon County Show This Week

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Grand Designs

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

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

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Considering a Home Extension?

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

The Experts

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Penzance Business Breakfast

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

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

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

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Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

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Property Development Forum

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Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

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Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Affordable Housing Success

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

National Planning Policy Framework

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Waterside Lookout

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

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Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Property Development Forum