Delanie Penndragon likes to joke that her job “clicks into place,” but this spring, she built something that truly snaps into the global moment. 

While the top soccer teams chase glory in North America’s World Cup matches, Penndragon crafted Arizona’s tribute — a 14‑inch LEGO phoenix built from 800 bricks, wings poised mid‑flight, sun blazing behind it.

“It represents home,” she said. “I wanted something that felt unmistakably Arizona — bold, bright and rising.”

Her phoenix uses five types of wings, all engineered to move up and down. It sits in the master builder window.

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Penndragon, the master model builder at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona at Tempe’s Arizona Mills, built the trophy in six hours without instructions.

“I don’t use instructions,” she said. “I rely on techniques I’ve learned over the years. I love being able to create anything I can imagine.”

“It’s so fun that all 15 LEGOLAND Discovery Centers across North America made their own unique trophies,” she said. “Seeing how each city interpreted the theme is incredible.”

This summer’s global soccer competition — the first to be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada — has sparked celebrations in cities big and small. Penndragon said the Arizona team wanted something that captured the tournament’s energy while staying rooted in local identity.

“Everyone’s watching the world come together,” she said. “We wanted to give Arizona fans something special to enjoy while they cheer.”

Penndragon grew up in Arizona and remembers playing with LEGO as early as age 7, often building characters and scenes from TV shows that didn’t have official sets.

“I was the youngest, so I didn’t get many sets at first — mostly the giant bucket of bricks,” she said with a laugh. “But I loved making my own stuff.”

Her path to becoming a Master Model Builder wasn’t linear. After studying film in college, she shot B‑roll for online use, worked as a private nanny, and eventually entered the competitive LEGO building world.

To get her job, she had to win a building competition. She bested hundreds of other hopefuls.

“They bring in kids to interact with you and try to distract you,” she said. “I used my nanny skills. I got the kids involved, helping me find pieces and build. I think that’s what made me stand out.”

Her most challenging build? A life‑size Santa sleigh that fits two adults.

“It took two weeks,” she said. “Every December, when we bring it out, it still blows my mind.”

Penndragon said she never imagined a career like this.

“I didn’t even know this job existed,” she said. “Now I get to build all day, talk to kids, and hopefully inspire them. There’s no bad part of my day.”

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona is also hosting summer programming, including its “Never Stop Playing” initiative and an upcoming Ninjago event.

“It’s a great way to get out of the heat,” she added. “We’re fully indoors — and there’s always something fun happening.”

Penndragon hopes fans stop by to see the phoenix — and maybe rediscover the joy of building.

“Everyone should come check out the World Cup display,” she said. “It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and play. And honestly? It’s just really cool.”