There’s nothing more rewarding than watching something take shape from idea to reality. At The Shop BK, we’re proud to be a second home to the founders and builders doing exactly that. This week, we’re excited to spotlight Brooke Holiday and Benjamin Hollberg, the founders behind Brooklyn Builders Studio.

Brooklyn Builders Studio is a hands-on, design-forward space where kids explore architecture through creative experimentation, real materials, and iterative design. Its programs are intentionally screen-free and grounded in sustainable practices, giving young designers the opportunity to sketch, build, test ideas, and document their process.

The studio is creating a space where children can engage with the history, tools, and techniques of architectural design in a way that feels both accessible and inspiring. This summer, Brooklyn Builders Studio will host its inaugural Summer Studios at 573 Sackett Street, offering week-long camps for ages 6–12, each centered around a different architectural theme.

The idea for Brooklyn Builders Studio grew out of Brooke and Benjamin’s experience as parents raising two children in Brooklyn, where they saw firsthand how much kids thrive in hands-on, creative environments.

Together, they set out to build something of their own. Brooke brings two decades of experience building teams and programs across New York, London, and Hong Kong, while Benjamin, a licensed architect and educator who has taught at Parsons, CCNY, NJIT, and the University of Hong Kong, brings deep design expertise and a background in teaching. The result is a studio rooted in curiosity, craft, and learning by doing.

Brooke and Benjamin are founding members at The Shop BK at 420 Carroll, where they share a studio alongside Benjamin’s architecture practice, Hollberg Architecture. Surrounded by a mix of founders, artists, and makers, they say the space offers a steady source of energy and inspiration. For Brooke, after years working in large corporate environments, The Shop provided a welcome shift:

“It’s the perfect balance — warm, welcoming people, interesting work happening all around, and none of the isolation of working from home.”

That connection to The Shop BK is about to deepen even further. Brooklyn Builders Studio’s flagship space is opening downstairs from their studio space in the same 420 Carroll building, bringing their vision directly into the neighborhood they’ve long called home. In addition to the studio, the space will also include an art store and bookshop.

Brooklyn Builders Studio is an exciting addition to the 420 Carroll community, and a reflection of both the history and growth of the larger Gowanus community it is joining.

“Gowanus is rich in art, design, and making. We’re excited to build a space where young designers explore ideas, work with sustainable materials, and take creative risks alongside the community.”

We’re grateful to have Brooke and Benjamin as part of The Shop community and excited to see how Brooklyn Builders Studio grows as a new creative anchor in Gowanus. Learn more about Brooklyn Builders Studio here.

Interested in building alongside founders like Brooke and Benjamin? Join The Shop community to grow your venture and connect with Brooklyn’s creative ecosystem here.