S&P architects have merged with AFL Architects to form AFLS+P, which will be one of the largest architectural practices in the UK.

By joining forces, they plan to extend their operations nationally and internationally. AFLS+P has offices in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Dublin and Doha.

Regional growth will continue in the UK, with a new office in Birmingham in May this year, and internationally, where it will build on work in Russia, Azerbaijan and Doha.

The combined group has 37 years of experience in masterplanning, architecture, interior design and project management. Recent projects include the London 2012 Aquatics Centre, the Peter Makaba Stadium in South Africa and the Abu Dhabi Sports Village.

Keith Ashton, former chief executive of S&P and now one of the six Principals of AFLS+P, said: “This merger with AFL Architects adds to our skill base and allows us to offer more services to our existing clients internationally.

"We also share the same values, with a strong emphasis on developing creative and innovative design solutions that maximise the commercial value and are fit-for-purpose as well as the future."

The board of directors of AFLS+P are Keith Ashton and Peter Simpson (S&P), and Martin Morton, Phil Osborne, Garry Rowlands and John Roberts (AFL).

John Roberts, of AFL and now a Principal of AFLS+P, added: "We have been working collaboratively on projects with S&P for three years. Now, we have become one of the largest architectural practices in our specialist sector, we will embrace new opportunities, seek to drive best practice and innovation in the industry and continue to offer an excellent service to our clients."