Artist Profile:  Todd A. Jones

Todd grew up in rural Oklahoma in the 1970s and 1980s on a single schoolteacher’s income, where imagination often replaced material resources. As a child, he built entire cities from construction paper – early expressions of a lifelong fascination with design, structure, and world-building. That curiosity later expanded into academics, theater, music, and technology, ultimately leading to an advanced degree in science and a career as a chemist focusing on implementing software systems for laboratories.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, at age 50, Todd built his first LEGO® set, sparking a creative resurgence. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into designing complex, illuminated models and eventually a fully realized LEGO® city featuring original architectural works, integrated lighting, and detailed infrastructure. In 2024, Todd completed his first Palm Springs–inspired LEGO® model – a mid-century modern home – whose enthusiastic reception from friends led directly to this project: reimagining the city’s iconic architecture as detailed, illuminated public art.

Todd lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his husband of 15 years, Brent Heinze.  Brent is a psychotherapist and musician.

Todd’s LEGO® City Video

Project Notes

  • LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse the Palm Springs BRICK Project and/or this site.

  • The Palm Springs BRICK Project is an independent, artist-led public art concept that reimagines iconic Palm Springs landmarks and architecture using LEGO® bricks as a creative medium. The project is currently in a conceptual and exploratory phase and is intended to celebrate design, place, and community engagement through accessible, large-scale visual art.

  • At present, the project is not operated by a registered nonprofit or business entity. Should the project move forward to construction, public installation, or long-term maintenance, it is anticipated that an appropriate organizational structure, such as a nonprofit organization or fiscal sponsorship, may be established to support fundraising, stewardship, and public benefit. All project plans, designs, and timelines are subject to change based on funding, approvals, and community partnerships.

  • Rendered images are conceptual and will not reflect the final actual build envisioned by the artist.  Rendered images cannot express large “glass” panels, illumination effects, custom minifigures, or added stickers (such as movie posters, flags, lamp signs, etc.) which will be added to projects post-build.