The Creative Minds Behind LEGO: Meet the Designers
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When you open a LEGO set and begin snapping bricks together, you’re experiencing the imagination and engineering of some of the most creative minds in the world. LEGO designers are the architects behind every set, from iconic Star Wars ships to intricate modular buildings. But who are these brilliant creators, and how can you become one?
Who Designs LEGO Sets?
LEGO designers are a unique blend of artists, engineers, and storytellers. Working at the LEGO headquarters in Billund, Denmark (and sometimes in other locations), they bring to life the sets that fans of all ages build and treasure.
Let’s meet five of the most influential and well-known LEGO designers.
1. Jamie Berard
One of the most recognized faces in the LEGO community, Jamie Berard is known for designing many of the Creator Expert modular buildings like the Parisian Restaurant and Assembly Square. His work combines architectural beauty with playability, and he often appears in LEGO documentaries and fan events.
2. Mark Stafford
Mark has worked on numerous LEGO themes including Exo-Force, Space Police, and Ninjago. A lifelong LEGO fan, he joined the company after sharing his MOCs (My Own Creations) online. His sci-fi creations often push the boundaries of what LEGO can do.
3. Matthew Ashton
As LEGO Vice President of Design, Matthew Ashton helped develop beloved themes like LEGO Friends and The LEGO Movie sets. Known for his bold personality and creative leadership, he even designed the LEGO Everyone is Awesome set celebrating diversity.
4. Justin Ramsden
Justin worked on sets such as Hogwarts Castle and Stranger Things: The Upside Down. A former AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO), he joined LEGO after impressing them with his own creations and social media presence. His sets often include hidden Easter eggs and storytelling elements.
5. Niels Milan Pedersen
A veteran of the company, Niels started designing in the 1980s and has created dozens of LEGO animals, dragons, and fantasy creatures. He’s one of the longest-serving LEGO designers and helped shape themes like Castle and Vikings.
How Can You Become a LEGO Designer?
Step 1: Develop Your Building Skills
Start by building your own creations (MOCs) and sharing them online on platforms like Flickr, Instagram, or LEGO Ideas. The LEGO community is vast and supportive, and many designers started as hobbyists.
Step 2: Learn Design and Engineering Basics
Many designers have backgrounds in industrial design, architecture, graphic design, or engineering. Getting a degree in a creative or technical field helps you understand the fundamentals of form, function, and aesthetics.
Step 3: Master Digital Tools
LEGO designers often use software like BrickLink Studio or LEGO Digital Designer (LDD). Learning CAD tools and 3D modeling is a big plus.
Step 4: Apply at LEGO Group Careers
LEGO posts job openings on their careers page. They look for portfolios that showcase creativity, building skill, and a sense of fun. If you’ve created impressive MOCs or designs, include them.
Step 5: Be Passionate and Persistent
Becoming a LEGO designer is competitive, but passion can take you far. Many current designers were once kids dreaming of working at LEGO — and they made it happen.
Final Bricks of Wisdom
LEGO designers are more than just builders; they’re dreamers who turn bricks into stories. Whether you're an AFOL or a young builder with big ambitions, the path to becoming a LEGO designer is filled with creativity, learning, and — of course — play.
Keep building. Your dream job might just be a few bricks away.