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

CESW Summit 2026

Non-Material Amendment Success

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Why Do a Self Build?

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Every Project Has More Than One Story to Tell

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Grand Designs

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Final Days at the Devon County Show for Laurence Associates

The Experts

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Seaside Sensation

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

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

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

Considering a Home Extension?

Affordable Housing Success

Natural Light

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

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

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

Class Q Planning Permission

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

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Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

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Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Coastal Home Design in Devon & Cornwall

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Self-Build and Custom Build Homes with Laurence Associates

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

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Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Building for Growth

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

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Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Planning Permission Secured for Padstow Conservation Area Outbuildings

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Waterside Lookout

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

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

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Building for Growth

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

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

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Navigating Building Regulations in Cornwall: A Design Led Approach

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Vickery Holman Market Review

Visit Laurence Associates at the Devon County Show This Week

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

Should I use an Architect?

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

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Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Farm Diversification Opportunities in the Southwest

Property Development Forum

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

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Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

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Appeal Success Near St Ives

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

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

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Regen Planning Conference

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Committee Success Secures Permission in Principle for New Homes

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Planning Success in Tintagel

National Planning Policy Framework

Penzance Business Breakfast

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Property Development Forum

Celebrating 20 Years of Creativity and Leadership with Jason Pledger

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Small Housing Schemes

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Planning Approved for Farmhouse Extension on Bodmin Moor

Master Planning That Creates Places for the Future

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Laurence Associates prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

New premises & 30 Years in the business

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

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Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

A considered evolution of a familiar form

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James Vivian Promoted to Associate Director

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

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Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum