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 prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Redruth Housing Scheme Approved

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

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3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

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Planning Success in Tintagel

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Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

How to Find a Building Plot

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

National Planning Policy Framework

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Contemporary Countryside Living: Reimagining Your Home in Cornwall

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

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Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

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Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

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Residential Project Site Update | Progress on Site

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

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Planning Permission Secured for Rural Replacement Dwelling

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Work Experience Week: Exploring Architecture and Structural Engineering

Elmhurst Energy CPD

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Conditional Planning Permission Secured for Five Homes in Bodmin

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CESW Summit 2026

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

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Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

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Construction Excellence Southwest Cornwall Summer Boat Trip

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James Vivian Promoted to Associate Director

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Waterside Lookout

Seaside Sensation

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

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Final Days at the Devon County Show for Laurence Associates

Planning Permission Secured for Padstow Conservation Area Outbuildings

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

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Planning Appeal Success for Permission in Principle Scheme

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Regen Planning Conference

Cornish Replacement Dwelling Submitted for Building Regulations

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Coastal Home Design in Devon & Cornwall

Polzeath Campsite Secures Year-Round Planning Permission

Padstow Conservation Area Extension Approved

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Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Planning Appeal Success to Building Regulations Approval

Blending Architecture into the Devon Countryside Through Materiality

Consent Secured for Amendments to Housing Scheme in Gweek

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

The Built Environment Network – Westcliff

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

Small Housing Schemes

Sensitive Design Approach for Barn Conversion Window Proposal

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

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Traditional Barn Conversion Approved | Building Regulations Success

New premises & 30 Years in the business

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Laurence Associates at Groundsure Women in Property

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Certificate of Lawfulness Secured for Residential Caravan Use

Architecture Vogue – Breakwater

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

Planning Permission Secured for Coastal Home Extension in Cornwall

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Non-Material Amendment Success

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

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Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Affordable Housing Success

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Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

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The Experts

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Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

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

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Planning Appeal Success for Equestrian Building

Laurence Associates Attending Stithians Show 2026

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

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

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Class Q Planning Permission

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East Allington Permission in Principle success for five new homes

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Laurence Associates at Stithians Show 2026

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

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Appeal Success for Agricultural Workers Dwelling Near Penzance

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

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Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Laurence Associates at the CLA Southwest AGM

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Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

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Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Property Development Forum

Securing Consent for 11 Bespoke Holiday Units in Mawgan Porth

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Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

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Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

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Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

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BNG Exemption for Small Development Sites

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Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

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Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

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Property Development Forum

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Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

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Three Successful Planning Applications on One Site

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

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

Natural Light

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Planning Appeal Allowed Near Helston for 6 to 9 Dwellings

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Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

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Penzance Business Breakfast

Committee Success Secures Permission in Principle for New Homes