One of the ways that shows up? LEGO.

Read on to learn more about a special LEGO team-building activity at our Chicago office earlier this year, and how it reflects a culture that values fun, creativity, and collaboration just as much as technical excellence.

A Tradition Built Brick by Brick

LEGO-building isn’t just a one-off event at DMC, it’s a long-standing tradition. From team-wide builds where everyone tackles the same kit, to more technical LEGO exercises alongside NASA-related battery testing, LEGO-building activities have taken on many shapes over the years, blending creativity, collaboration, and technical curiosity in a way that feels uniquely “DMC.”

It has also been a way for DMC to engage with the broader community. Our offices have hosted FIRST LEGO League teams in the past, giving students a glimpse into engineering principles while giving DMC engineers the opportunity to mentor students interested in STEM careers.

Across all of these experiences, one thing is clear: LEGO is a big deal at DMC. So, when we welcomed Luke Horwath to the team this past winter, an engineering student who once competed on the show LEGO Masters, it felt like the perfect opportunity to make our 2026 LEGO activity something truly special.

2026 LEGO Activity

LEGO activities have become a favorite at DMC. Last year, the Chicago team built individual kits side by side, from classic art and Star Wars sets to Vespa models and botanical builds. Everyone chose a kit that matched their interests.

For 2026, DMC’s Recruiting Lead, Carly Bessinger, set out to try something new and teamed up with new hire and LEGO enthusiast Luke Horwath. His idea: a collaborative LEGO mosaic, where each person builds a section that comes together into one larger piece. “The inspiration came from my experiences at LEGO conventions,” Luke said.

The LEGO Master

Before appearing on LEGO Masters, Luke was already well known in the LEGO community. He showcased original builds at conventions, including 7-foot-tall roller coasters, a life-size working pinball machine and claw machine, and full LEGO cities. One of those events led to his casting on Season 5 of LEGO Masters, where he and his mother, Anne, became finalists and earned the Golden Brick along the way.

Creating the LEGO Mosaic Design

Cut to 2026, Luke got to work with Owen Johnson creating the mosaic concept, landing on the Chicago skyline as the inspiration for the design. Owen drafted a rendering, selecting colors to bring the skyline image to life. Then, Luke used Bricklink to match the colors in Owen’s design to available LEGO brick colors while sourcing the bricks.

“Owen spent so many hours coming up with an incredible design that leaned DMC and Chicago-centric. He came up with the final concept of the DMC logo integrated into the night skyline, which I thought was fantastic!”

Each dot in the rendering above represents a 1-by-1 LEGO piece. To accomplish the depth of color of the Chicago skyline at night, Owen leaned on a design “technique” you’ve probably seen before: dithering. From there, Owen’s engineering mindset really kicked in. We’ll just let him explain:

“The tiles we used on the mural are basically like pixels, just low color ‘bit depth’. I used standard image manipulation techniques: scaling (no interpolation mixed with cubic and linear for a balance of punchiness and smoothness), plus basic color and contrast adjustments. Each pixel was quantized to a single LEGO color using error-diffusion dithering, specifically Floyd–Steinberg. I used the web tool DitherIt with a custom palette of available LEGO colors. Luke also helped select colors that weren’t too expensive or hard to distinguish.”

He explored several different concepts before landing on the final design: the Chicago skyline at night featuring the DMC logo. Below are some early design ideas, including a galaxy mosaic and another skyline concept with DMC Easter eggs.

The Assembly

Once Owen and Luke completed the design and the logistics of the build, it was time to assemble the team. The LEGO activity had approximately 50 participants, and the 50-inch-square mosaic ended up including 26,000 LEGO bricks. For comparison, a 6-foot LEGO rollercoaster takes about 4,000 to 5,000 bricks.

Everyone who participated in the event was responsible for assembling one 5-inch-by-5-inch square. Each square had accompanying LEGO pieces that formed part of the mosaic. As Luke explained, “When you’re building your section, it doesn’t really look like anything up close—that probably means you’re doing it right if it just looks like a scattered mess!”

That made the final result even more satisfying.

50 Participants, 100 Hands, and 26,000 Bricks

When all 100 individual 5-inch by 5-inch sections finally clicked together at the end of the night, the team stepped back to see their work come to life. The result was an expertly designed LEGO picture of the Chicago skyline with the DMC logo floating above the buildings in the night sky. A striking visual built one small piece at a time.

While the mosaic itself was an impressive feat of creativity and engineering problem-solving, the true takeaway from the night went beyond the final product. The project required coordination, patience, and trust in a shared vision where no single piece made sense on its own.

That’s what made the outcome so meaningful.

Each participant contributed a small part, knowing it would only come together when combined with the work of others. In the end, the completed picture showcased what happens every day at DMC when team members collaborate, bring their unique strengths to the table, and build something bigger than themselves. At DMC, whether it’s a 26,000-brick mosaic or a complex engineering project, the same principle holds true. Great results come from teamwork, thoughtful problem-solving, and a shared commitment to getting it right.

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"I was sitting at my desk building a Lego set during some downtime, and Aaron Shoemaker, who sits next to me, asked if he could start building them,” Aleks said. “I was like 'sure.' Then, Hannah Gjovik walked by and peeked into the quad. She asked 'what are you guys doing?' She started building with us, and then we had like five people building Legos at my desk. We thought 'maybe we should do this for an activity fund.'"

The most popular Lego sets to build were various plants. DMCers built bonsai trees, orchids, and other types of flowers.

Charlie Gordon built a Pac-Man machine.

Andy Kopplin got a box of various random bricks to try and build the tallest tower he could.

"My favorite part was when we had all the boxes stacked up on the table a couple hours before it started," Aleks said. "Everyone was peeking into the room to look at them and take pictures of all the boxes stacked up because it was a massive mound of just Lego boxes."

Around 60 DMCers and plus ones showed up, being one of the larger Activity Fund events. Bridget Miles, DMC's Human Resources Manager, attended the event and loved how easy it was to talk to everyone.

"My favorite part was talking to people that I don't usually talk to. I think Activity Fund events in general are such a good way for people to get to know each other, Bridget said. “I hope we can continue to find ways to do that.”

DMC Houston

DMC Houston also hosted a Lego building Activity Fund event where every employee in-town attended. Luke Howe-Kerr attended because he loved Legos growing up and has been getting back into them since Legos can be found around the office now.

This family-friendly event allowed Ray King to bring his four-year-old son to the office to join in on the Lego building fun.

“It was both a chance to build with Legos again and a chance to get like a set that could be displayed – which was fun. It was honestly a blast,” Luke said. “It was fun to do a more casual event where everybody could pick their own little fun thing that fit best for them. We're all a bunch of engineers and most of us love Legos."

DMC Dallas

The Dallas office also hosted a Lego building night and paired it with Buffalo Wild Wings.

Learn more about DMC’s company culture and check out our open positions!

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The morning began with a quick lesson in proper paddleboarding — including how to stand up to reduce your chances of falling and how to navigate using the paddles. After the lesson, the group was free to head out onto the lake. 

It was a great way to enjoy the last of the summer weather.

John Nicholas, systems engineer at DMC Chicago, described the event as really successful and relaxing.

“We were all kind of concerned that it might be cold because it was maybe 60,75 degrees, but it really warmed up once we got on the water and the sun came out,” said Nicholas. “When we were actually on the water, it was super beautiful. The water was nice and refreshing, the weather was beautiful, [and it was] almost 80 degrees.”

North Avenue Beach gave the team the added bonus of a great view. 

“We got a fantastic view of the Chicago skyline,” Nicholas said. “That really stuck out to me as one of the best parts.” 

There were several first-time paddleboarders in the group, but, despite the challenge, there were plenty of tranquil moments.

“You don’t have to stand the whole time,” said Nicholas. “We got to sit down and rock along with the waves and see the beautiful view of Chicago in the summer.”

The leisurely morning was great for catching up with friends and teammates. 

“Sometimes we were paddling next to each other and we’d chat about different things: sometimes work and sometimes not,” Nicholas said. “I was talking to Aaron about some of the different video games we’re looking forward to playing.” 

The group got together for a final group photo before leaving the lake. 

“The serene atmosphere made it easy to wander for [some people] had drifted away from the group,” said Nicholas. “It was a mad dash to paddle and try and get in the photo. Luckily, everyone made it in time.” 

While exiting the beach, they spotted another group doing paddleboard yoga, which gave them an idea for an even more relaxing (and challenging) future Activity Fund event.  

Learn more about DMC’s corporate culture!

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The Invitation

When it comes to planning a DMC Activity Fund Event, we do our best to add as much character as possible. It became a new DMC tradition to make the invites true to the theme. When it came to the decree that DMC was going to the Renaissance Faire, a themed invite was a must.
 
“Good morrow, fine folk of DMC,

Your presence has been requested at the Bristol Renaissance Faire.  If thou art so inclined to partake in this event, thou shalt be transported back in time to when knights nobly jousted for the honor and glory. Where Cobblers and Blacksmiths peddle their wares in the village squares. And where strolling with a turkey leg in hand is no strange occurrence. I tell ye truth, tis not an event to be missed. Doth thou wish to get on a caravan (bus) with DMCers and join in the merriment??

Prithee use the voting buttons if you’d like to partake.”
 

The Preparation

When we decided that we would be partaking in Renaissance merriment, it was obvious that we needed to do proper preparation for the event. The first step was to make sure everyone was familiar with what going to a Renaissance Faire would be like. A happy hour was scheduled to make sure we were properly educated. We watched some “research” videos to learn what to expect at a Ren Faire and made sure to pull up the map of the fairgrounds. We also pulled up the show schedule to note which shows were not to be missed and which had enough appeal for good group photo opportunities.
 
The next step was to make sure we had proper attire. A group of new hires who came to Chicago for their three weeks of training, surprisingly, did not pack Renaissance attire. We had to make sure everyone had something to wear. After doing some Pinterest research and storyboarding our characters, we headed to the thrift store. It was a mad dash to find the perfect items before the store closed, but because of our prep work, everyone knew exactly what they were looking for, and we made full outfits in 45 minutes.
 

  

The Transport

Our chariot arrived at the office around 9 am. After our stomachs were full with the morning bagels and coffee, we boarded the caravan. Everyone was dressed in their medieval garb and brimming with anticipation of the day’s excitement. We took roll call with a “Huzzah” from each participant, followed by a brief vocabulary lesson to ensure we spoke properly throughout the day.

The Bristol Renaissance Faire is only a short carriage ride from the office. No road trip would be complete without a soundtrack. In our extensive Renaissance research, a wonderful minstrel was brought to our attention. Bardcore, or Tavernwave, is a musical genre that became popular in 2020, consisting of medieval-inspired remakes of popular songs. Our ride was serenaded with the melodies of Candy Shop and Bad Romance played on the lute and harpsichord. If you need a new soundtrack for the day, I would highly recommend trying this Bardcore Playlist.

The Celebration

The day was, in a word, magical. The Faire was everything that we could have wanted. We ate turkey legs and ice cream. We laughed at comedians, sang with minstrels, and watched in awe at aerial artists and acrobats. We even joined the crowd in cheering for our knight in the Royal Joust. Because we were prepared, we all had enough sunscreen and water to keep everyone comfortable in the gorgeous August heat.

We bid the Faire anon and boarded our caravan back to the office. With the day’s festivities and sun weighing on us, many dosed. Lulled to sleep by a harpsichord version of Eye of the Tiger and Wonderwall. Twas a great time for all involved. 

For some it was within their first three weeks of working at DMC. Can you think of a better way of bonding with your coworkers? I cannot.

 
Learn more about DMC’s company culture.

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Events range in activities like going back in time to the Roaring 20’s, giving gifts with Operation Santa, working out at SoulCycle, or climbing the walls at a local gym. While working remotely, we even started a OneDMC Activity fund full of virtual events like whiskey tasting, pumpkin carving, and making pizzas together.
 
Here’s how DMC Boston has been reconnecting with some fun activity fund events!

Kayaking on Lake Chaubunagungamaug

A few members of the Boston team ventured out Lake Chaubunagungamaug for some kayaking.

A Game of Pickleball

For their next event, the Boston team met for a fun game of Pickleball. It’s a sport that combines aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.

Sushi Night

The team made the most of patio weather season in Boston when they met to enjoy a sushi dinner.

Bowling 

Engineers love some friendly competition. The Boston team showed off their bowling skills at American Flatbread.

Sh!tfaced Shakespeare

Next, the group headed to The Rockwell Theater for some laughs at Sh!tfaced Shakespeare’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Apple Picking

To ring in the autumn, the Boston team took a trip to Carlson Orchards to pick, eat, and juggle some fresh apples. 

Welcome Party – K1 Racing

It is a DMC tradition to host a welcome party for each new employee. It helps new members can get to know their teams in a fun setting. The Boston team recently welcomed their newest teammates with K1 racing! 

Despite the challenges of 2021, our Boston office managed to get together and enjoy some bonding and fun activities. We look forward to seeing what the Boston team has in store for 2022!  

Learn more about the DMC Boston Office and DMC’s culture. 

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For some, this trip marked their ~32,767^th time rock climbing. For others, this DMC expedition served as the first opportunity to put their chalky hands to the rock walls and a chance to try something new.

“I had never done rock climbing as an adult before, but I have a lot of friends that love it and have it as a hobby. I took their word for it and gave it a shot. Despite having some sore arms the next day, it was such a cool, new experience for me! 10/10 would do it again!” – Elisha Harris

Throughout the evening, we partook in:

Bouldering:

Top-Roping:

Belaying (how’s that for trusting your coworkers?):

And having fun!

All-in-all, we had a blast and look forward to our next DMClimbing adventure!

DMC Rockers’ Testimony: 

 “This was my first activity fund event. Being new to the company, it was a cool way to meet some of my coworkers. I love climbing, and doing it with fun people makes it even better.” – Andrew Williams

“Jumping off the top of the wall is going against years of human survival instinct!” – Corey Zheng

Learn more about DMC’s Company Culture. 

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In addition to hiring smart people, responding to our customers, making things happen, being profitable, and sharing information, one of DMC’s core values is to have fun. As an employee at DMC, it is common to work hard and be willing to bend over backward to go above and beyond our customer’s expectations. With as much work we put into keeping our customers satisfied, DMC does a great job of taking care of their employees.

One way that DMC takes care of its employees is by providing an activity fund budget, allowing employees to participate in monthly activities outside of the office. These activities are always a great time, and they allow DMC employees to develop relationships beyond those built in the work environment. Last month, DMC St. Louis decided to spend its activity fund by heading over to the Tapawingo Golf Course.

After nine holes of adequate amateur play and a whole lot of fun, we packed our clubs into our cars and headed our separate ways. Amidst the drive back home, I got to thinking… if I am a smart person that delivers expert solutions, am I offering services that are above par or below par?

To me, this was slightly mind-boggling because “above par” is usually used to indicate that something is above average, which is generally a positive thing. However, in golf, hitting “above par” typically has a negative connotation because that means you are taking more strokes to get to the hole than normal.

So… does the phrase “above par” mean you are doing a good job or a bad job?

Let’s Clear This Up

As always, I got a little carried away, and this is what I was able to learn. The word “par” is derived from Latin with the meaning: equal or equality and dates back to the 16^th century. “Par” was first commonly used in the English language in the 18^th century, when it was short for the phrase “par of exchange,” currently known as the “rate of exchange,” which is the ratio of value between one country’s currency and another’s.

While the phrase “par of exchange” was standard, the phrases “below par” and “above par” were coined to qualify the value of a country’s currency. Additionally, “par,” “below par,” and “above par” were used in finances to describe the value of a bond around the same time frame. Shortly after that, “above par” and “below par” took on the more familiar meaning of “above average” and “below average.”

It wasn’t until the 19^th century did the term “par” even enter the realm of golf, and thus has nothing to do with the derivation of “above par” and “below par” as phrases of the English language.

Say it Right, Say it with Confidence

As it turns out, even if you are on the golf course, a smart person with expert solutions is providing services that are above par!

References:

• The Origins of Par in Golf
• Below and Above Par Origin

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