Aziz Tayob graduated at the University of the Witwatersrand as the first black architect in South Africa in 1969. The practice was established in 1970 in Pageview, Johannesburg. After the removal of Pageview by the previous government, the practice has since operated in Laudium, Pretoria, an area formally reserved for Indians in terms of the Group Areas Act.

Over the past 42 years of its existence, the firm has strove to create buildings that are honest, functional, thought provoking and innovative. The design approach has been to achieve the most advantageous design for the very limited resources and space available to the underpriviledged communities of South Africa. This has resulted in the maximum utilisation of land, space and cost efficient quality and creative design, free from trendy frills. In recognition of this, the firm has received merit awards from the S.A. Institute of Architects in 1974 as well as the Transvaal Institute of Architects in 1980.

Being the first black architectural practice in the country, the practice has during its existence trained and employed more than 35 architects and technicians from the disadvantaged sector. The practice has also provided student sponsorships. The firms works are still geared to serving the same disadvantaged sector it has always served.