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

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Seaside Sensation

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

National Planning Policy Framework

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

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

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Natural Light

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

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

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Building for Growth

Property Development Forum

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Property Development Forum

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Visit Laurence Associates at the Devon County Show This Week

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Waterside Lookout

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

How to Find a Building Plot

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Should I use an Architect?

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Regen Planning Conference

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Small Housing Schemes

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Affordable Housing Success

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

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

Planning Success in Tintagel

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

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

Class Q Planning Permission

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Penzance Business Breakfast

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Non-Material Amendment Success

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Business Cornwall – March 2026

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

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

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

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

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Building for Growth

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Considering a Home Extension?

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

CESW Summit 2026

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

How to Finance a Self-Build

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

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

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Vickery Holman Market Review

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Grand Designs

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

The Experts

Why Do a Self Build?

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel