If you want to live the near-perfect life in Billund, Denmark, listen to one of its most trusted master model designers.

Matt Gardner

For many people, myself included, there’s no better ideal job than working for LEGO. As one of the few toys that transcends all ages, backgrounds, and interests — and as the world’s most reputable company for three years running — why wouldn’t you want to work there?

There’s no better way to know how to get recruited than by listening to César Soares, who went from being a physical education teacher in his native Portugal to joining LEGO. Now in his tenth year with the company, he was the lead designer on 2025’s Star Wars LEGO Death Star (75419), which went on general sale this month. At 9,000 pieces and costing $1,000, it’s the third-largest LEGO set by brick count, and the company’s highest-priced — and as such, Soares is one of its most trusted creators, overseeing its biggest-profile build in recent years.

Now living in Billund — home to the company’s stunning headquarters in the otherwise sleepy dead center of Denmark — Soares offered four very helpful tips for anyone who wanted to join him at LEGO HQ, regardless of their background.

1) Understand the LEGO System in play

The first tip from Soares may seem obvious, but there’s more to it than a simple statement. “You really have to get a really good grasp of the LEGO System in play,” he says, “and all the elements that exist and how they work together, how they can be used together to make fantastic builds, right?”

He’s talking about the fundamental rules set out by LEGO from the 50s onwards. It’s not just a good knowledge of the parts themselves (Bricklink currently lists over 90,000 pieces, though most come in multiple colors), but the limits of safe and secure construction, while avoiding “illegal” building techniques, which you can learn about here courtesy of an old presentation from LEGO designer Jamie Berard (H/T Firestar Toys).

2) Teamwork makes the dream work

Even the biggest sets have one person as a creative lead, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t dozens of people contributing to a set at any given time — and to LEGO, you demonstrating how you work well with others is at the top of its priority list.

“I can’t emphasize this enough: you have to be a team player,” Soares says, looking back at his Star Wars LEGO Death Star (75419). “I was the lead designer on this set, but there were a lot more people involved in the process, and you have to work with them constantly. So, [being] a good team player is not only about your mentality, it’s a must.”

3) Know your audience

One of the biggest challenges for LEGO designers is catering to their audience across multiple age groups.

Many people often laugh at the company’s “adult” 18+ sets for being simple, even though the age classification is usually used for display pieces. However, you still need to know how to create things for everyone to enjoy, and it’s up to you to understand what these are, based on your knowledge of previous releases; LEGO is famous for keeping its cards close to its chest, but if its many incredible fan sites can teach us anything, it’s that reading and learning is the key to success.

“You have to know what makes a LEGO set that’s good for kids, you know? It has to have our particular characteristics. If it’s for more grown-ups, or an adult audience, that shifts.”

4) Build your own portfolio

Finally, Soares says that unique, personal designs — known in the fan community as MOCs (My Own Creations) — are the real winning factor for aspiring LEGO employees, as they draw from your own expertise and interests, much like the Portuguese did with his love of Star Wars.

“You need to have a little bit of luck, but you must have a portfolio ready with your own creations — it’s very important if you apply for a position here,” he explains. “I always say to people: build as much as you can. Build LEGO sets. They help a lot to see how you do things, because that’s what they want to see […] when they try to hire designers. Then, apply whenever you get the chance, because you never know.”

Never give up

You might have applied for a LEGO role before but failed to make the grade, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be a fit for the company, so long as you keep working hard for your dream. “I joined LEGO, yeah, about ten years ago,” says Soares. “I was almost 40. It’s never too late.”