Architecture since 1970
Founded by Aziz Tayob as South Africa's first black architectural practice, and led today by a second generation. More than 600 projects later, we still design honest, functional buildings that last.
Projects that explain themselves
Two generations, one practice
Haneef Tayob
Principal architect · Pr Arch
Qualified at Wits in 1995 and has practised with the firm since 1996, leading current projects from Amka Campus to the Lilongwe chancery.
Tahera Tayob
Practice manager
Has run the administration and management of the practice since joining in 1985, and knows the history of most of its projects.
Aziz Tayob
Founder · Pr Arch
South Africa's first architect of colour (Wits, 1969). Still in the office every day, giving his input on projects five decades on.
We also work regularly with other practices, leading consortia or supporting another firm's team, on projects from the Mpumalanga Legislature to the Lebombo border post. Our collaborations
What an architect adds
An architect's fee is a small part of what a building costs over its life. Good design pays for itself in how the building works, what it costs to run and what it is worth. Here is what you can expect from us, and the projects that prove it.
600+ projects since 1970
From urban design frameworks to a restaurant's new logo. Whatever you are planning, we have probably solved something like it before.
Browse the projects →Award-winning design that works
Recognised with merit awards by the country's architectural institutes, and designed around the people who use the building every day.
See the awards →Planned around how you work
Efficient planning to suit each client. At Lenasia Clinic, coloured strips in the floor lead patients to every department.
Lenasia Clinic →Built for a long life
Quality materials and sound detailing for a good life cycle. Our own house and studio, completed in 1974, is still in daily use with its living areas unchanged.
House & Studio Tayob, 1974 →Cheaper to run, easier to keep
Energy efficiency, response to climate and low maintenance. Darus Salaam is cooled by air drawn over a fountain, with no air-conditioning.
Darus Salaam Islamic Centre →More from the same site
Good planning earns more from what you already own. Our redesign of Engen Laudium added tenants and raised rental and forecourt turnover.
Engen Laudium →No surprises at handover
Approvals, inspections and certificates are planned from day one, so the Occupation Certificate is not an afterthought.
Why compliance matters →See it before it's built
Proven BIM and 3D tools in proficient hands: you see the design before construction, and the drawings are right on site.
Our services →A practice built against the odds
Aziz Tayob needed ministerial permission to study at Wits, was refused a bricklaying course because of his race, and was forced by the Group Areas Act to move his new practice from Fietas to Laudium. He built it anyway, and trained a generation of black architects along the way.
Going According to Plan
The architectural journey of Aziz Tayob, told decade by decade: part monograph, part personal history of practising architecture under apartheid and into democracy. Expanded edition, December 2024.
Tell us about your site
Although we are based in Gauteng, we have delivered projects across South Africa's provinces and in the wider Southern African region, including Malawi. Send us a few details and we'll reply within two working days.