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

A Busy Week of Progress Across the Practice

Campsite Certificate and Replacement Dwelling Approval Cornwall

Planning Permission for Community Garden Redevelopment in Newquay

Bespoke Architectural Design Process

The Experts

Appeal Success: Caravan Site Approved in Cornwall

Housing Appeal Success in West Cornwall

Current Vacancies – Town Planners

Barn Conversion Approved West Cornwall

Self-Build and Custom Build Homes with Laurence Associates

Why Do a Self Build?

Grade II Listed Farmstead Planning Success

Neighbourhood Plan Regulation Changes 2026

Laurence Associates Attending Townsend Landowner Seminar

Laurence Associates at Business Fest South West Westpoint

Sensitive Dwelling Alterations Approved by Council

RIBA Safe & Healthy Environments CPD Completed

Laurence Associates attending Kernow Construction Club

Planning Success in Tintagel

Replacement Dwellings – Pushing the boundaries of Architecture

Four Dwellings Approved Following Outline Consent

Planning Appeals Changes from April 2026

Current Vacancies – Senior Landscape Architect

Laurence Associates prepares for Royal Cornwall Show 2026

A Collaborative Approach to Creating Meaningful Spaces

Planning Approval Secured for Multi-Generational Home in Feock

Change of Use Approved: Takeaway to Residential in Cornwall

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Devon County Show 2026

Laurence Associates Attends Cornwall Council Planning Agents Forum

Building for Growth

New premises & 30 Years in the business

Construction Excellence Southwest Summit 2026

Regen Planning Conference

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2025

Architecture Vogue – Eyebrid

A positive appeal decision for Laurence Associates

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

Securing Five Unrestricted Homes in Mawgan Porth

Securing Planning Permission – Community Hall Poundstock

Planning Consent Secured for Methane-Capture Facility

Laurence Associates Expands with New Office in Exeter

Considering a Home Extension?

Current Vacancies – Planner / Senior Planner

Permission in Principle Success in St Austell

Cornwall Council ‘Call For Sites’

Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership – Richard Marsden

Should I use an Architect?

Cape Cornwall Club Redevelopment | Laurence Associates

Designing for Legacy, Lifestyle and Longevity

A Tailored Approach to Conceptual Design

A Guide to Our Planning Application Process

Grand Designs

Conversion in the Countryside: Securing Planning for a Rural Bothy

Vickery Holman Market Review

Rural Outbuilding Conversion Secures Planning Consent

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

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Planning Director

Supporting the Interior Design Journey Through Architecture

Architecture Vogue – Smallridge Bros

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

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

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy?

Visit Laurence Associates at the Devon County Show This Week

Functional Living in a Contemporary Cornish Home

Grid Connection Reform and what it means for Renewable Energy Projects

Rural Exception Scheme Approved in Perran Downs

SEC1 Compliance & Energy-Efficient Homes in Cornwall

Building Towards a Greener Future: Our Earth Day Commitment

Property Development Forum

Committee Success Secures Permission in Principle for New Homes

Breaking Ground: New Project Progress

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 – March

Outline Approval for Three New Homes in St Keyne

Best of Houzz 2017 Design Award

A considered evolution of a familiar form

River Camel Nutrient Neutrality Update 2026: Bodmin Removed

Building for Growth

Seaside Sensation

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Planning Committee Success: Replacement Dwelling Approved

How to Finance a Self-Build

Housing Schemes in Cornwall That Truly Work for People

Outline Planning Consent Secured for Two New Dwellings

Successful Appeal Secured on Caravan Use and Building Definition

Planning Appeal Success in Cornwall National Landscape

Certificates of Lawfulness Explained

Barn Conversions Under Class Q and Class R

Laurence Associates – Royal Cornwall Show 2024

Town Planner Vacancy – Planning Careers UK

Happy Easter from Laurence Associates

Unlocking Potential Through Replacement

Architecture Vogue – Enys Hill

Planning Permission Secured in Rock Cornwall

Attending Women in Business Breakfast at Truro Golf Club

Architecture Vogue – Maen Valley

Restronguet Point – a room with a view

3D Modelling an image speaks a thousand words

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

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

Farm Diversification Opportunities in the Southwest

Current Progress on Site in Falmouth

Planning Approved for Farmhouse Extension on Bodmin Moor

Business Cornwall – March 2026

Coastal Home Design in Devon & Cornwall

Elmhurst Energy CPD

Agricultural Barn Development Advice

Planning Approved for 5 Unrestricted Rural Homes

Home Renovation Progress Falmouth

Community Sponsorship St Just RFC

Cornwall Council Housing Requirement – Laurence Associates

Porthcothan Site Update: Residential Planning Progress

Every Project Has More Than One Story to Tell

Master Planning That Creates Places for the Future

Cornwall Local Plan Update 2028 and What It Means for Development

Designing for Approval or Designing to Build?

Appeal Success – Removing Occupancy Condition

Laurence Associates to Exhibit at Devon County Show 2026

Class Q Planning Permission

Understanding the Design Brief Service at Laurence Associates

Team Attends Michelmore’s Property Development Club in Exeter

Laurence Associates Welcomes New Design Director

Replacement Dwelling in lieu of Class Q

International Women’s Day at Laurence Associates

Outline Planning Consent for Hotel and Restaurant Development in Cornwall

Cornwall Building Regulations Update Event 2026

Affordable Housing Success

Tom Evans Promoted to Junior Planner

Laurence Associates Sponsors Rosudgeon and Kenneggy Cricket Club

Laurence Associates at Kernow Construction Club

Progress Update: Shaping a Bespoke Home

Why Involve Landscape Architects in Biodiversity Net Gain Proposals

Waterside Lookout

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

Penzance Business Breakfast

Why Part T Is Changing Commercial Design More Than You Think

Architecture Vogue – Higher Harlyn

How to Find a Building Plot

Ana Coelho promoted to Senior Chartered Architect

Rural Enterprise – Helping Rural Business Flourish

From sketch to reality the power of visualisation in design development

Laurence Associates Attending Ashfords Business Breakfast

Laurence Associates to Attend Business Fest

Appeal Success Near St Ives

Energy Consultancy Services at Laurence Associates

Planning Permission Success for Barn Conversion

Natural Light

Navigating Building Regulations in Cornwall: A Design Led Approach

Design and Placemaking PPG out now

Visit Laurence Associates at the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Planning Approval for Sauna in Protected Landscape

Architecture Vogue – Sand Dunes

Small Housing Schemes

Feock replacement dwelling project overview

Why Do I Need a Professional Consultant’s Certificate?

Seamless Single Storey Extensions That Complement Your Home

Property Development Forum

Where Design Meets Detail: The Role of Materials in Architecture

Replacement Dwelling Approved Following Class Q Success

Creating Flow and Connection Within the Home

Final Days at the Devon County Show for Laurence Associates

Building Regulations Drawings: Why Detail Matters

Non-Material Amendment Success

Powering the Future: Repowering Wind Turbines Across the UK

Section 73 Approval for Revised Bungalow Scheme in St Erth

Class Q Conversions: Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Buildings

Planning Permission Success for Access, Parking & Facilities

Architecture Vogue – Greenbank Hotel

Securing Planning Permission – Greenbank Hotel Falmouth

Laurence Associates Returning to the Royal Cornwall Show 2026

CESW Summit 2026

Eco development on the sand dunes at Hayle

Meet the Laurence Associates Team at Royal Cornwall Show 2026

Design Appraisals UK | Site Feasibility and Planning Assessments

National Planning Policy Framework

Celebrating 20 Years of Creativity and Leadership with Jason Pledger