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

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Regen Planning Conference

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

The Experts

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

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

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

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

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Agricultural Barn Development Advice

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

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Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

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

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

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Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

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Business Cornwall – March 2026

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

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Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Grand Designs

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A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

CESW Summit 2026

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Appeal Success Near St Ives

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Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Class Q Planning Permission

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

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Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

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Natural Light

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

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Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

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Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Penzance Business Breakfast

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Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Property Development Forum

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Building for Growth

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

National Planning Policy Framework

Affordable Housing Success

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

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Small Housing Schemes

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Planning Success in Tintagel

Seaside Sensation

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Property Development Forum

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Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Vickery Holman Market Review

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Waterside Lookout