A color coded set of building blocks including a plurality of nesting blocks with diamond cross sections and at least one octahedron cap block (100). The blocks in each set are progressively sized so that when the individual blocks are stacked, they nest within each other to form a four-sided pyramid. The largest (108) of the diamond cross section blocks acts as the base of the pyramid while the top of the pyramid is capped with an octahedron cap block. The blocks are stored in a clear pedestal base (16). The pedestal (16) is also utilized as a design platform from which to build complex geometric designs. Each pedestal (16) has four flared legs that provide stability to the platform while designs are constructed vertically and horizontally within it. By using linking elements, the designs can also be used to join together a plurality of the pedestal bases.