Q&A with Robin, Certified LEGO Professional

Robin Sather, LEGO® Certified Professional at Brickville DesignWorks in Abbotsford, British Columbia talks with us about his upcoming build of a giant LEGO® Sphinx at the ROM on October 28-30.

Q. How did you get the idea to start Brickville?
Like a lot of people, I’ve wanted to work for the LEGO Company since I was a little kid, but unfortunately that involves moving either to Denmark or Connecticut, and while they’re great places to visit, I love living in BC too much for that! So, I started Brickville DesignWorks with the goal of creating cool LEGO events and creations as an “independent” builder. And it’s been great!

Q. How does one become the only “Certified LEGO Professional” in Canada?
Well, soon after starting Brickville, it became really obvious that I, along with the LEGO Company, could really benefit from a closer relationship. So, I drafted up the “LEGO Certified Professional” concept and presented it to the company. Basically, it enables LEGO-based businesses like mine to benefit from a close connection with LEGO. The company loved it, so I was one of the first 4 “LCP”s in the world, and am still the only Canadian. I went through a grueling application process, and then 7 years of intense “Builder’s School” involved before I became an LCP … OK, I’m just kidding about that … Seriously though, it’s a great opportunity for people already doing LEGO-based businesses to link up with LEGO.

Q. Did you design the LEGO Sphinx? How long did that take?
I use different design methods, depending on what the build is, but for the sphinx I did some sketching on paper, then decided on a final shape and size. I then scanned in my final sketch and did some measurements (I used CorelDraw for that), which told me the basic dimensions, how much brick I would need, and approximately how long the build would take. I also played with some 3D software for some shaping, but in the end, just picked up some bricks and started building. It was probably a 2-day process.

Q. What is most difficult part of the sphinx build?
The very bottom is tricky, since you’re laying out a huge footprint on the floor, and if you make a mistake there, it affects the entire build. Also, the face is quite complicated, since it’s more detailed.

Q. What are some of your other designs?
I’ve build a ton of different things – dinosaurs, castles, buses, lighthouses, houses, vampires, towers, apples, steamships, butterflies, even a giant shopping basket! You can see lots more on the Brickville gallery page at www.brickville.ca.

Q. Is there a LEGO design out there that you wish you had done? If not, what is on your wish list to design?
Oh, there’s lots of things still left to build, and yes, I have a big secret wish list. But mostly what I build depends on what the venue wants to see. If they’re up for anything, I definitely have suggestions. Someday soon, I’d like to build a larger-than-life statue of someone famous. Hopefully that happens soon.

Q. What is your next stop?
Next, I’m back home in BC for some Christmas events, building LEGO trees and ornaments.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us.
No problem! Come and say “Hi” at the ROM on Halloween weekend.