A Norwich-based architects has ambitions to work with smaller housing developers in a bid to create 'beautiful' but 'affordable' homes across the region.

Hudson Architects – which has become renowned for delivering bespoke houses at the top end of the market – said more unique and interesting homes could be offered to the mass market if the construction industry was not dominated by big developers.

The firm is eyeing mid-market housing as a potential growth opportunity after it doubled its workforce from 10 to 20 in the past year, and moved to new premises on St Andrews Street, Norwich.

Anthony Hudson, company founder, said the business had benefited from winning contracts with the Norwich University of the Arts (NUA), including a deal to transform Boardman House, on Princes Street, into a new architecture school.

Mr Hudson, who helped establish the university's BA in architecture, said the first cohort of graduates to emerge from the course this year would help plug an emerging skills gap across the region for qualified architects.

He said: 'The private sector is now coming back because people have more confidence, particularly when it comes to housing projects.

'What we would like to do is to make sure that smaller housing developments go on to get planning permission and get built.

'The problem with housing is that its too dominated by the big housing developers. If a business can profit by supporting smaller developers, and the product is good, then it shows we can build affordable and also beautiful houses.

'It has been a constant for us that we are building at the top end, and this would show that we can also be done in for mid-market housing as well.'

Hudson Architects was first set up in London in 1985 and established a name for itself creating bespoke housing projects.

However, a decision was made to move the practice back to Norfolk when the market place began to shrink due to increased competition in the capital, Mr Hudson said.

The firm recently moved from Redwell Street, Norwich, to new premises, where it plans to create a public gallery which will showcase exhibitions relating to the built environment and new developments in the city.