The firm of SDS Architects was founded in 1953 by Architect Grant Paul. Within a short time, Grant Paul joined with Jim Hallbeck in forming Paul-Hallbeck and Associates.
In 1969, after the untimely death of Grant Paul, Jim Hallbeck became the sole owner and operated the firm under the name of James R. Hallbeck and Associates, and later, The Hallbeck Group. In 1982, Jim Hallbeck retired and sold the firm to long-time employees and associates Pete Seymour, Gary Davis, and Joe Seymour. The firm name was changed to Seymour Davis Seymour in 1984.

To reflect the growth of the architectural practice, the start of a structured long-term ownership transition plan, and increased employee stock-ownership, the firm name was changed to SDS Architects, Inc. in 1994.

The sustaining market for the firm over the past five and a half decades has been elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. The firm has developed expertise in a variety of other markets including manufacturing, recreational, government, religious and healthcare.