Perhaps there lies part of the problem. An man of moderate ability, ill-equipped to govern a massive empire. It was destined to end badly. 

Our first project became the National Museums of Scotland's most successful ever temporary exhibition. We approached the arrangement like a tragic play –  with several acts depicting the lives and events of this autocratic emperor and empress, but also this loving father and mother of 5 young children.

In March 2004 Craig and Charlie signed the lease for an office within a mid-19th century bond warehouse bang in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Leith Docks area and began Studio MB. From the beginning there was a determination to create a studio, not a company, with the focus firmly on design excellence. 

Now 20 years older, and 20 years wiser, and with a 30 strong team of experienced professionals to help us, we are a successful international design company. However, our studio origins and continuing ambition for design excellence – always putting the client’s projects first and foremost – remains as true today as it always has.