The Beginning of the New Chronicle (LEGO Ideas Project)

[TheJerminator]

No, the JTO Makuta model definitely came from Lego set designers, albeit not necessarily the same team that made the G2 sets.

One of the set designers is here on the Boards, and commented on the reverse-engineering topic for the model years ago:

The "Let's build JtO Makuta" topic

Thanks man! Yeah, together with 2 friends/colleagues we created the model used for JTO. All 3 of us are massive fans from back in the G1 days and it has been humbling to work on it. I just wanted to prevent disappointment from people waiting for building instructions. However, if there is any area in specific people have trouble with, I can try and get some more pictures approved.

The "Let's build JtO Makuta" topic

I guess, this was bound to happen. : P I cannot. I can repeat what was said in the press release and stress that it has been a really hard decision for LEGO. I am not actually a part of the core BIONICLE team, I work in the LEGO Mindstorms department. I was borrowed from them to specifically make this model together with 2 colleagues, being a fans and all.

Some of the designers involved in the various Makuta builds are credited in this reupload of the Makuta Contest video:

Lego BIONICLE Makuta Contest Video

Also, the designers of the JTO model, specifically, are credited in these instructions:

[Album] Journey To One Makuta