How do you build?

[Grover]

I was working on a MOC today and was thinking about how we build non-sets. I, for one, have different ways of building. If I am building a model for display only, I will build a façade without interior, not a lot of regard for structural integrity, quickly and without directions. If I am building a model for myself, to be part of my city or medieval city, I will take the time to build something that is structurally sound (can support significant weight), has interiors and playability, and I will in some cases write directions for each level along the way in the case I need to disassemble to move it (this usually happens with my larger models). This is more time consuming, but ultimately rewarding for me. I tend to have a large amount of loose bricks around before I begin, and will dig for what I need through my collection before I go to brick link or elsewhere.

How do you build? It's an open-ended question that I am interested in seeing how people answer.

[soccerkid6]

It's always interesting to hear different building methods.
Similar to you, when I build a MOC for myself, I usually make it quite durable, and include interiors. Occasionally I'll do a facade, for instance when making an interior only build, I often leave the back side unfinished.
When starting a new build, I focus on the building layout first, and then figure out how I want the building situated on the landscape or base. I rarely make parts orders to complete a build, instead I try to limit myself to parts I have on hand.

[josdu]

I decide what to build and then build. I usually build from the bottom to the top, but not always.

[Grover]

soccerkid, I am like you, I usually build the structure first, then worry about how it fits into landscaping. Unless it's critical to the build, I usually worry about the interior later, too.

josdu, I wish I could be more like you sometimes! I tend to think about what I'm going to build a lot before I do, sometimes building a prototype model or a rough draft to get it right before building the whole thing.

As for bricks, I usually build with what I have on hand. The only exception is when I'm building something off a model or picture and need specific parts that I don't have. Fortunately, I have a used Lego store about 2 hours from me, so I go and pick up what I need out of their bins after searching for a bit.

[josdu]

As for bricks, I usually build with what I have on hand.

The same, I never have bought things for a specific MOC (yet ).