Canada's only Certified LEGO Professional inspires kids to build a City Of Tomorrow

 

Our entry to the LEGO City of Tomorrow campaign. A safe haven and hotel for family pets with a chef that offers healthy meals using fresh and  locally sourced ingredients. 

By Sonya Davidson

The world's most cherished building toy company, LEGO, is inviting Canadian kids to ditch the instructions and build their vision for the City of Tomorrow. With Canada celebrating our 150th, this campaign is aimed to inspire kids to think about what will make Canada's future cities better, brighter, and even more fun!  (see below for details). 

We had a chance to chat with Robin Sather, Canada's only Certified LEGO Professional Builder, about all things LEGO and how he landed this cool job. 

How did you get LEGO certified professional and what opportunities has this job opened up for you? Sounds like a dream job!

I actually helped the LEGO Company set up the "LEGO Certified Professional" (or LCP, for short) program back in 2005. Essentially, talented entrepreneur builders can apply to the company to become licensed as a LCP. There is a program which includes some training, and a certification process, after which LCPs are sent out to do LEGO-based events, live builds, commissions, custom kits, and more, in their respective regions. I was one of the first four, and am still the only Canadian. Being an LCP has enable me to do some really cool projects, both for the LEGO company itself, and also for many, many organizations, venues, and companies that the LEGO Company doesn't really have the resources, or mandate, to do things for. Everything from live builds in shopping malls, to exhibit pieces in museums, to kids workshops, to custom building kits - I've done it all.

Creative play with lego will never go out of style and kids have been enjoying Lego for years, even in this day in age of digital. You have a technology background as well, so can you see how they can complement each other?

Technology helps out tremendously. When you build big, engineering and math play a much larger role. I sometimes build creations that weigh hundreds of kilograms. So, sometimes I will use various software applications to help plan, create and document project builds.Then, of course, there's all the cool online opportunities to show off and explore everything LEGO.

What’s your preference...freestyle building or instruction sets?

They're very different. When I want to truly relax, I will pull out a set, and build it - slowly. I like to savour it, like a favourite meal, or a good book. But creating something new? That's exhilarating and engaging, and is really what my job is all about. Gotta love ‘em both!

Largest thing you’ve ever built?

I've worked on some large creations over the years. Some, I've built more than once, in different locations - like this giant Egyptian Sphinx bust - http://brickville.ca/portfolio.htm#sphinx . This build was about 2.5 metres tall, and over the years, I have built it from scratch six times over.

This Hong Kong skyline was quite large as well, and was made up of about 250,000 bricks, not including the mosaic background, which doubled that number! This one took 2 1/2 months to complete -  http://brickville.ca/portfolio.htm#hongkong

Help us settle this discussion....to glue or not? (when you're done building) 

Ha! If it's a model that will be permanent, or even semi-permanent, gluing is a necessity. Also, I do a lot of baseplate-cutting, and sometimes have to modify other parts as well. But, for my own personal LEGO sets? Never!

Your work is found worldwide. Have you ever built something that you really wanted to keep?

You know, my joy and excitement comes from the build itself. Always did, even as a kid. Once the build is over, I'm already focusing on the next one. I take lots of photos, and then it's done. On to something new!

There are Lego shops/museums around the world that are so inspiring, got a favourite?

Well, I am most excited about the newest one! LEGO House - due to open this September in Billund, Denmark, the home of LEGO. It's going to be the ultimate LEGO museum, and interactive experience. I have the privilege of being invited to the grand opening, and I can't wait.

Gotcha! On our bucket list now! 

About the LEGO BUILD YOUR CITY OF TOMORROW campaign and how kids can get involved...

Canadian children are invited to upload/share their photos of their creative builds to : http://www.legoplay.ca/city-of-tomorrow 

Entries will be accepted until June 4, 2017. One lucky entry will be drawn at random and win a family trip for four to Ottawa for Canada's 150th celebrations. 

There are also FREE Team Build events happening at Toys R Us stores across Canada on April 8 or 9 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm (local times). Follow #LEGOCityOfTomorrow  @LEGO_Group (Twitter) and @LEGO (Facebook/Instagram) for details.

For more information visit legoplay.ca

Happy Building!