LEGO® and design has been a lifelong journey, shaped by creativity, family support, and a drive to build beyond the ordinary. Growing up in a small Midwest town, LEGO conventions were few and far between, and fellow enthusiasts were rare. Yet, with his brother Michael and parents as his biggest supporters, he found an outlet through 4-H competitions, where he embraced the thrill of showcasing his builds in an annual exhibition—an experience that sparked his love for creative storytelling and design.

The game-changer? Visiting Brickworld Chicago and Brickworld Indianapolis, where he discovered the vast LEGO community and the boundless possibilities of the hobby. In 2014, he joined the online LEGO scene under the username "Ben Brickson"—a play on his last name and his passion for building—connecting with like-minded creators on Flickr. Even with a limited collection during college, he focused on custom minifigure designs, forming friendships with builders across the world.

Ben pursued his love for design academically, earning a Bachelor of Architecture from Ball State University in 2021—a professional, accredited degree that further refined his eye for structure and creativity. After graduation, he relocated to the East Coast, where he continues his career in architecture while integrating LEGO into his creative process.

Ben’s LEGO creations lean heavily into sci-fi architecture, futuristic vehicles, and immersive natural landscapes. One of his favorite things to build? Trees. The intricate shapes and organic forms challenge him to push the limits of LEGO, blending structure with artistry.

Collaborating with fellow MOC builders in the LEGO community is one of the most thrilling experience a builder can have. Not only do you get to meet wonderful, like-minded individuals, but getting to discover the creativity and ingenuinty that each carries within their builds is phenomanal.

More than just creating models, Ben is passionate about storytelling and world-building—adding small details that not only elevate a build but also draw in the viewer. Every brick, every placement, and every subtle design choice contributes to a greater narrative, transforming a MOC into an experience.

In September 2024, Ben broke his ankle in two places and tore two ligaments just over a mile into a solo mountain hike. With no one around to help, he scooted down the trail in the dark—his broken ankle stretched out in front of him, a flickering headlamp tucked into his hat. The surgery and long recovery that followed gave him time to reflect—not just on the accident, but on his life. One thought kept surfacing, shaped by the awareness of how much worse things could have been:

Returning to work in the architecture in Connecticut, the physical healing was slow, and the emotional unease harder to ignore. Over time, the answer became clear: he would have regretted never doing more with LEGO, the creative outlet that had always brought him the most joy. The connection he felt at LEGO conventions, the energy of creative collaboration, and the conversations with fellow builders reminded him of what truly mattered. From that clarity, Brickson Studio was born: a business devoted to creating deeper human connection through custom LEGO design and storytelling-driven work.

ROne especially meaningful experience for Ben was competing on the reality TV show LEGO Masters on FOX alongside his brother Michael. Amid the demands of their busy adult lives, the show gave them a rare chance to reconnect and collaborate in a fun, creative environment. This shared adventure strengthened a bond that had always been strong, adding new memories and experiences that brought them even closer.

Beyond the excitement of the competition, Ben has always valued the relationships built through LEGO more than the physical creations themselves. Over the years, meeting and collaborating with talented builders, custom modders, and creators he once admired from afar has been deeply rewarding. These connections not only inspired his own work but also brought his dream of designing intricate, imaginative LEGO creations to life.

For Ben, LEGO is much more than just a hobby or craft—it’s a bridge to community, creativity, and meaningful human connection. Each build tells a story, but the friendships formed along the way are the true foundation of his journey.

Want to follow Ben’s journey? Check out his social media below—or better yet, say hello at a convention!