The Practice

Richard leads our multidiscipline team of planners, landscape architects and designers. He has an outstanding knowledge of planning law and procedures based on 30 years’ practical experience, and continues to build the practice’s reputation as an industry leader. Richard provides a full spectrum of services including planning appraisals, preparing and submitting applications for planning permission, listed building consent, advertisement consent and Certificates of Lawfulness. He also represents clients at planning committee meetings and appeals, hearings and inquiries. Highly regarded by his peers and clients, Richard is accomplished in negotiating with local planning authorities to achieve the best outcomes for our clients.

Jason heads up our dynamic Design and Landscape team and is a passionate architectural designer with more than 35 years’ experience in the industry. He and his team have earned a reputation for working closely with clients from the outset, from design brief through to project management and completion, ensuring that their vision is translated into innovative, bespoke design. Jason joined Laurence Associates in 2006, tasked with developing the design arm of the practice. He’s more than delivered, building a creative and energetic team which combines expertise with flair and enthusiasm for every project they undertake. Jason is well respected throughout the industry, and is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and a Chartered Building Engineer.

Liz is a highly skilled Chartered Town Planner with extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. We are delighted to welcome her as our new Planning Director as of January 2025.

With expertise across all areas of planning, Liz has successfully managed residential and commercial developments at every stage, from planning promotions and applications to delivery and implementation. She is excited to lead projects at Laurence Associates and bring her strategic insight to the team.

In her previous role as Head of Planning for a major housebuilding company, Liz guided schemes from inception to completion, assessing site potential and overseeing developments through to delivery.

She also specialises in renewable energy applications, with a particular focus on solar and battery storage proposals.

Liz’s experience spans a wide range of application sizes and types in both rural and urban areas. She is known for her strong client focus, providing clear, strategic advice to help clients achieve their goals efficiently.

In addition, Liz is a skilled expert witness and has represented clients in a number of planning appeals, including public inquiries.

Mark is an Architect with over a decade of experience, primarily focused on residential architecture. His portfolio spans single-family homes, larger housing developments, conversions, and extensions, alongside work on commercial and mixed-use schemes. 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.

Outside of work, Mark is an active volunteer with the Scouts, where he contributes his leadership skills to the community. He is also deeply involved in the renovation and extension of his own home, where his passion for architecture and design continues to grow. This hands-on experience fuels his commitment to innovation and excellence in both personal and professional projects.

James has a background in construction and possesses extensive technical knowledge in building technology. Our Senior Technologist, James is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, having studied at Plymouth University. James is involved in the preparation of construction and building regulation drawings, providing detailed plans, sections, technical construction details, schedules and specifications. He works closely with project architects, clients and consultants, to bridge the gap between concept designs and planning approval to construction and completion. James runs projects on site, providing contract administration and project management services to clients, and regularly undertakes site inspections for issuing Professional Consultant’s Certificates. He’s been involved in small to medium-sized residential schemes, industrial and commercial projects, and tourism and leisure schemes.

Sam joined Laurence Associates within the Planning Team, following six years of professional experience working for Cornwall Council.

Sam has experience across a range of application types, being previously involved in strategic and major developments, as well as bespoke and complex general applications which have involved residential, commercial, and renewable energy projects.

Sam has an BA degree in Geography from the University of Plymouth and is currently working towards attaining his RTPI status by the end of 2024.

Ivor is a hugely experienced landscape architect, specialising in landscape projects for housing projects, commercial and leisure developments, and self builds. He’s involved in all stages of masterplanning, from site analysis and initial site layout through to design. A Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute since 1993, Ivor worked for Cornwall Council for eight years, with responsibility for a wide range of landscape projects including land reclamation, design and implementation of public realm and highways works, and project management of multi-agency funded partnership projects. As well as expertise in detailed hard and soft landscape designs, he has considerable experience in the preparation of Landscape & Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) and Landscape Management Plans for a wide range of developments, from large scale renewable energy projects to smaller, less complex housing schemes. He’s been an expert witness for a number of successful appeals for both residential and renewable energy projects across England and Wales.

Nick joined the team bringing with him over 30 years extensive experience in architecture, building design, draughting and mechanical engineering trades.  He is proficient in 2D AutoCAD and manual drawing board, sketching & visualising.

Having run his own practice for several years Nick has a clear understanding of the construction industry as a whole and the importance of client interaction.

He has worked on a wide range of residential projects, from small extensions through to high end bespoke single dwellings, commercial /retail developments and everything between, focusing mainly on construction detailing and building control.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, one of them being his 8 year old son, who is a budding engineer!

Ana joined Laurence Associates in 2022, she qualified as an Architect in 2010 from the University of Coimbra in Portugal.

During her Master studies she did one Erasmus program in NTNU Trondheim, in Norway and one free mover program in RWTH Aachen, in Germany. She also did a postgraduate degree in São Paulo, Brazil.

She has worked in 5 different countries: Portugal, Brazil, Germany, UAE and Taiwan, therefore gaining experience in different typologies such as residential, mixed-use, stadiums, offices, amongst others.

Ana is an ARB registered architect and a RIBA chartered member. Her work draws upon the principles of sustainability, inclusive design, and the circular economy in the built environment. She holds LEED AP BD+C credential and an Ellen MacArthur Foundation Certificate for the program “From Linear to Circular”.

In her spare time Ana enjoys long walks by the sea with her family and the practice of different types of crafts such as watercolour, linocut, crochet or macrame. Ana believes that the most rewarding experiences involve learning new things.

Jess joined Laurence Associates within the Design Team, bringing with her nearly 10 years experience working as an Architectural Technician.

She has worked in a number of Architectural Practices throughout Cornwall. Jess has worked on small extensions to larger residential schemes. Focusing predominately on one off residential bespoke builds.

Jess studied alongside work obtaining an FdSc in Construction in 2017 from Plymouth University.

In her spare time Jess enjoys spending time with her young family, friends and exploring all the wonderful eateries that Cornwall has to offer.

Rachael oversees Finance and Operations within the business. She draws on her extensive experience working within project led environments to ensure accurate and timely results for the company and clients alike. Rachael is a fellow member with AAT (FMAAT),  which is an internationally recognised professional status in accounting and finance. In her spare time, she enjoys dog walks, snowboarding, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Julie joined Laurence Associates within the Finance Team.

Julie has over 20 years of experience and understanding in finance which she gained while running her family business, this has given her an extensive amount of knowledge in her field.

She has now settled into a role where she can achieve a healthy work life and family balance. In her spare time, she enjoys walking the dog, gardening, and spending quality time with the family.

Bridgette joined Laurence Associates in July 2013. She’s worked in several administrative and client facing roles during the last thirty years and is the first point of contact for all clients. Bridgette is an experienced administrator with a wide range of administrative and customer service skills, supporting all areas of the business.

Following Paige’s graduation in 2022 with a First Class BA (Hons) within Interior Architecture & Design from Falmouth University, Paige gathered substantial experience as a Design Coordinator within a local luxury contracts firm. Her tenure involved extensive work across multiple sites in the South West, fostering invaluable industry insight and expertise.

In her spare time, Paige likes to go on long walks with her dog Otis and enjoys spending quality time with friends and family.

In her capacity as graphic designer and technical assistant, Catherine supports the planning, architecture and landscape architecture teams by producing supporting documentation using a range of graphic software packages.

Murshed is a Chartered Planner with experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. His work focuses on securing planning approvals and addressing complex regulatory matters, including Green Belt and heritage constraints.

Murshed holds an MSc in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Sheffield and has developed skills in optimising masterplans, stakeholder engagement and project management. Having worked in London, Surrey and Cornwall, Murshed has gained insight into a wide range of planning contexts.

Beyond his professional role, he is a film enthusiast and a calligrapher, with his artwork exhibited in San Francisco.

Tom joined Laurence Associates as a Graduate Planner, after graduating from the University of Birmingham with a RTPI accredited MSc in Urban and Regional Planning.

Tom has a background in Geography, with a BSc from Aberystwyth University. He is currently gaining invaluable practical experience within the planning team.

In his spare time Tom enjoys walking his dog, surfing and travelling.

Nancy is Jason’s Red Cockapoo and Laurence Associates’ office dog.

Nancy was still a puppy when she joined the team in 2015 (DOB 13.09.15). She visits the Truro office once a week, offering moral support and a warm welcome to clients and staff.

A specialist in cuddles and belly rubs, Nancy is incredibly good natured and loves everyone.

In her spare time, she enjoys long walks in the countryside, swimming, playing fetch with her ball, and rummaging through bins after lunchtime.