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

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Grand Designs

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Affordable Housing Success

CESW Summit 2026

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Waterside Lookout

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Considering a Home Extension?

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

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

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

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

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Property Development Forum

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Should I use an Architect?

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

How to Find a Building Plot

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Small Housing Schemes

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

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

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Natural Light

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Property Development Forum

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Penzance Business Breakfast

Class Q Planning Permission

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

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

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Appeal Success Near St Ives

How to Finance a Self-Build

Regen Planning Conference

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

A considered evolution of a familiar form

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Seaside Sensation

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

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

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Planning Success in Tintagel

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Vickery Holman Market Review

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Building for Growth

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

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

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

Building for Growth

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

National Planning Policy Framework

The Experts

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Why Do a Self Build?

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Design and Placemaking PPG out now