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About

Building Block Labs is a founder-led software studio that partners with organizations to design, build, and improve the systems they rely on.

It works with nonprofits, local businesses, and associations to help them wield technology better.

Some organizations come with an idea. Some come with an existing system that needs care, structure, or growth.

Building Block Labs works with both.

system plan

What Building Block Labs Does

Building Block Labs helps organizations design, build, and improve the technical systems they rely on.

This includes:

  • building custom websites and web applications
  • automating workflows and internal processes
  • connecting and simplifying existing systems
  • improving data structure, reporting, and visibility

Whether you are launching something new or strengthening what you already have, the focus is always on clarity, stability, and long-term usability.

How Organizations Work With BBL

Organizations work with Building Block Labs in a few different ways:

The engagement model adapts to what the organization actually needs.

📐 Project-Based Development

Designing and building custom platforms, tools, and websites.

📊 Virtual CTO

Providing architectural guidance, planning, and ongoing technical leadership for teams without in-house CTO support.

⚙️ Engineering Support

Working directly with internal teams or solo to implement features, integrations, and improvements.

Headshot of Ben Downey

Ben Downey

Founder and Chief Builder

Ben Downey is a full-stack software founder who builds custom software for nonprofits, small businesses, and community-driven organizations.

I’m Ben Downey, the founder and engineer behind Building Block Labs.

I started writing code in 1997 and have been building professional, production software since 2008.

Over the years, I’ve worked with:

  • small and growing businesses
  • nonprofits and community organizations
  • professional associations
  • startups and internal product teams

I enjoy helping organizations build systems that are clear, stable, and practical.

My work focuses on making technology easier to operate, easier to understand, and easier to grow.

Let’s Build Something That Works

If your organization needs help building, improving, or supporting its technical systems, I’d be happy to talk.

Whether you need a new application, workflow automation, technical planning, or ongoing support, we can design an approach that fits.