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

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

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

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

How to Finance a Self-Build

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

National Planning Policy Framework

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Regen Planning Conference

Should I use an Architect?

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Building for Growth

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Property Development Forum

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

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

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Penzance Business Breakfast

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Natural Light

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

How to Find a Building Plot

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

CESW Summit 2026

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Why Do a Self Build?

Vickery Holman Market Review

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Property Development Forum

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Class Q Planning Permission

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Considering a Home Extension?

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

New premises & 30 Years in the business

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

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Seaside Sensation

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Affordable Housing Success

The Experts

Grand Designs

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

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

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Building for Growth

Planning Success in Tintagel

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

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

Waterside Lookout

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

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

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Small Housing Schemes

Restronguet Point – a room with a view