Duties and Responsibilities of a LEGO Master Model Builder

Happiness AbdulLast Updated: October 30, 2023

Duties and Responsibilities of a LEGO Master Model Builder: As a LEGO Master Model Builder, your job is to inspire creativity in others through your passion for the iconic interlocking plastic bricks. You are responsible for designing and building LEGO models to showcase in LEGOLAND theme parks and discovery centers around the world. This role requires a blend of artistic talent, engineering skills, and the ability to spark children’s imaginations.

Your daily duties revolve around brainstorming, prototyping, and fabricating elaborate LEGO creations. You work with a team to develop concepts that bring the LEGO brand to life in a fun, whimsical way.

Once a design is approved, you are in charge of sourcing bricks, constructing the models, and placing the final displays. Some of your models may be installed permanently, while others rotate on a seasonal basis.

Duties and Responsibilities of a LEGO Master Model Builder

The job of a LEGO Master Model Builder is challenging but rewarding. You get to spend your days playing with one of the world’s most beloved toys and inspiring future builders through your LEGO masterpieces.

While technical skills are important, the true key to success in this role is approaching each new project with a childlike sense of wonder and creativity. If you have a passion for crafting art that makes people smile, then being a LEGO Master Model Builder could be the perfect career path for you.

Table of Contents

What Is a LEGO Master Model Builder?

A LEGO Master Model Builder is a highly skilled professional responsible for designing, building, and maintaining LEGO models for LEGOLAND Parks and LEGO Stores. Their primary duties include:

Conceptualizing and constructing large-scale LEGO models, sculptures, and play areas. This involves determining structural requirements, sourcing LEGO elements, and assembling models.
Maintaining and repairing existing LEGO models and play areas to ensure they remain in prime operating condition. This includes inspecting models for any damage or wear and performing necessary repairs or enhancements.
Interacting with and educating park guests about LEGO building techniques, brick types, and model details. Master Model Builders are experts in all things LEGO and share their knowledge with visitors.
Staying up-to-date with new LEGO sets, elements, and building styles to continue improving their skills and apply the latest techniques. Continuous learning is an important part of the role.
Collaborating with design teams on new models, features, and attractions. Master Model Builders provide input on LEGO building feasibility, design, and theming.
Supervising and training Model Builders and other team members. Master Model Builders oversee teams that help construct and maintain models across the parks and stores.

To become a LEGO Master Model Builder, you must demonstrate advanced LEGO building skills, have experience working with LEGO and preferably in a design role, and share a passion for creativity and working with people. It is a role that combines technical LEGO ability with imagination, teamwork, and a desire to inspire children of all ages.

Core Duties of a LEGO Master Model Builder

As a LEGO Master Model Builder, your core duties revolve around designing, building, and maintaining LEGO models for LEGOLAND attractions and events.

1. Designing New LEGO Models

One of your primary responsibilities is designing new LEGO models and sculptures to be featured in the park. This includes:

Conceptualizing models based on themes that align with LEGOLAND values and current events.
Drafting sketches and renderings of model ideas to propose to management.
Determining necessary bricks and ensuring adequate inventory is available for construction.
Creating detailed building instructions to guide assembly of the model.
Constructing LEGO Models
Once a model design is approved, you will lead a team in the construction of the life-size LEGO model on site. This involves:
Directing a crew of Model Builders to assemble the thousands of LEGO pieces into the desired structure.
Overseeing quality control to ensure the model is built to specification.
Guiding final touches like facial features, signage, and decorative elements.
Testing the model to confirm stability and safety before unveiling to the public.

2. Maintaining and Improving Existing Models

In addition to creating new models, you must properly maintain the many LEGO models throughout the park. Your duties include:

Conducting regular inspections of models for any damage or needed repairs.
Disassembling and rebuilding models as needed to move them to new locations or update their appearance.
Staying up-to-date with the latest building techniques to find ways to improve the models.
Training and supervising Model Builders to assist in maintenance and refurbishment of Models.

Designing New LEGO Sets and Models

As a LEGO Master Model Builder, one of your primary responsibilities is designing new LEGO sets and models. This involves:

1. Coming Up With Concepts

You will need to brainstorm original LEGO set concepts and themes that will capture children’s and adult fans’ imaginations. Think of ideas for new buildable characters, vehicles, buildings, or other models based on movies, books, TV shows, video games or your own creativity. Run concepts by your team to determine which have the most potential for development.

2. Developing Instructions

Once a concept is approved, you will create detailed building instructions for the model. This includes:

Determining which LEGO elements, bricks, minifigures and other parts will be needed. Select pieces that are readily available and appropriate for the skill level and age range of the intended audience.
Designing the model on a LEGO CAD (Computer Aided Design) software program. Build a virtual 3D model to work out structural and esthetic details.
Creating step-by-step instructions with visual diagrams that clearly show how each LEGO element should be placed. Instructions should be easy to understand while still challenging and fun to build.
Writing product descriptions to promote the new set. Describe features, themes, characters and building experiences to generate excitement.
Testing prototype models to ensure instructions result in a stable, cohesive structure. Make any necessary revisions before the final design is approved for production.

Education, Skills and Qualifications to Become a LEGO Master Model Builder

To become a LEGO Master Model Builder, certain education, skills, and qualifications are required.

1. Education

While a college degree is not always mandatory, many LEGO Master Model Builders have a background in areas like engineering, architecture, art, or design. Coursework in these fields provides a strong foundation in creativity, spatial skills, and an understanding of structures. Some model builders get started through LEGO-sponsored building events and competitions.

2. Skills

Excellent building skills are essential, as is the ability to conceptualize and execute complex builds. LEGO Master Model Builders must be highly creative, with advanced skills in visualization, architecture, and sculpture. Strong communication abilities are also important for interacting with the public, conducting educational events, and mentoring apprentice builders.

3. Qualifications

To become a LEGO Master Model Builder, candidates typically go through an intensive interview and audition process. Key qualifications include:

A minimum of years of advanced building experience with LEGO bricks. Applicants should have a portfolio of original builds and be active in the LEGO fan community.
Proficiency in multiple LEGO building techniques like SNOT (Studs Not On Top), greebling, and micro/macro building. Applicants should be highly skilled in both symmetrical and freeform building styles.
A passion for the LEGO brand and product lines. Master Model Builders stay up-to-date with new LEGO sets and elements.
The ability to build quickly under pressure. Model builders frequently construct new displays, sculptures, and massive builds on tight deadlines.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Master Model Builders do a significant amount of public engagement, education, and community outreach. They must be comfortable presenting to both children and adults.
Adaptability and physical stamina. The role requires frequent travel to events, long work hours, and the ability to construct intricate builds. Applicants must be able to stand, crouch, and handle heavy loads.

Conclusion

As you have seen, the role of a LEGO Master Model Builder is highly creative yet requires a meticulous attention to detail and process. While building life-size LEGO models and massive LEGO sculptures may seem like a dream job for any adult who loved playing with LEGO as a child, it demands a high level of skill, expertise, and commitment to quality.

The responsibilities of designing, testing, and constructing complex LEGO structures are not for the faint of heart. However, for those select few builders who possess the necessary talents and devotion, being a LEGO Master Model Builder offers the opportunity to turn a childhood passion into a rewarding career.

Though challenging, it is a role that fuels creativity, inspires joy in others, and builds a bridge between the imaginative worlds of children and adults.