The Oxford Architects Partnership is merging with Modus Architects from Bristol to form a new firm with more than 30 staff and two practices.

Oxford Architects Partnership has worked on projects for several colleges, including the new Hertford College Graduate Centre at Folly Bridge, which is almost complete.

The firm is also working on outline designs for the 50m synchrotron particle accelerator building planned for Rutherford Appleton Laboratory at Chilton, near Didcot. Modus, the smaller of the two firms, specialises in high-quality urban design.

The chairman of Oxford Architects Partnership, Peter Norman, said: "Although we already have a broad portfolio of work throughout the country, a regional presence in Bristol will bring additional opportunities.

"Modus is an excellent firm and together we can make even more of an impact both regionally and nationally."