In 2002, the design office Studio Makkink & Bey was founded by designer Jurgen Bey and designer-architect Rianne Makkink. The studio has been involved in numerous projects, ranging from interior design, product design, public space projects, architecture, exhibition, and shop-window design, to research and applied arts projects. Since 2012, the studio has been running its own initiated project called 'Waterschool,' which was awarded the Dutch Design Award in 2022. From September 2010 until November 2023, Jurgen Bey served as the director of the Sandberg Institute, a master's program at the Rietveld Arts Academy in Amsterdam. In January 2024, he will be appointed as an Industry Expert by XMU (Xiamen University).