Meet Luther Ocasio | Experiential Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Luther Ocasio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luther, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always believed that a business should be born out of necessity—a response to something missing yet deeply desired. When I looked around, especially within my immediate community, I noticed two glaring gaps: the absence of genuinely inclusive, community-rooted creative spaces, and a lack of environments designed with both the nervous system and the senses in mind.

Before The Bardo, I was often met with closed doors when trying to collaborate with existing spaces. That experience clarified something for me: there was a missing link between biophilic, immersive design and spaces that could hold both authentic connection and innovation. As our world becomes increasingly fast-paced and technology-driven, we also need sanctuaries—places that ground us, that restore our ability to feel, connect, and imagine.

The Bardo was my answer to that need: a design studio and community space where nature, art, and technology coexist under one roof. A space that doesn’t just look beautiful but actively soothes, stimulates, and invites people into a more mindful and sensorial experience of the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got here through tenacity and grit. My journey hasn’t been linear or easy—it’s been full of friction, introspection, and moments that teetered on madness. But through it all, one thing has kept me going: a deep commitment to the present and a vision for a brighter future—not just for myself, but for everyone who comes after me. That ember of purpose is what keeps the fire alive, even when everything feels stuck or stagnant.

What sets me apart is how I approach art and design as a form of sensory storytelling. It’s a visceral practice that blends neuroscience, nature, and technology to create experiences that don’t just look beautiful—they feel transformative. My design aesthetics aren’t just about appearances; I’m curating environments that soothe the nervous system, spark curiosity, and create space for authentic connection. I’m after what lingers—the texture of a moment, the scent of a memory, the color that shifts your mood without you even realizing it. That’s the heart of my work. It’s a continuous exploration—a delicate balance between the technologies of nature and the tools we use to design for presence, emotion, and regeneration.

Through perseverance, I’ve learned that every person you admire got to where they are by daring to disrupt, by standing out and embracing their truth. My story is one of constant reinvention and risk-taking—a testament that vulnerability and relentless dedication are the true ingredients of success. I want the world to know that my brand is built on the belief that beauty, innovation, and authenticity can coexist. It’s a celebration of the present moment—enriched by our collective past and driven by an unwavering hope for the future.

This journey led me to starting The Bardo, my response to a world designed to cater to the needs of a specific group in power rather than honoring the full spectrum of human experience. The Bardo is an expressive approach to the biodiversity present in life—creating spaces where unique authenticity isn’t just welcomed, it’s essential.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d keep it vibrant and intentional. Mornings would start with tea at Shiloh Tea & Coffee or a stroll through Descanso Gardens. Evenings? Drinks at De La Nonna, sound experiences at Public Records, and a visit to Wisdome LA or The Getty for immersive art. We’d definitely spend a day at the beach decompressing, and close the week at a cozy dinner party with creatives—music, mocktails, and whatever magic wants to show up.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There isn’t one single person or moment I can point to—my journey is an amalgamation of everything and everyone that’s shaped me. My friends, my family, and nature itself have been my constant sources of inspiration and support. Each played a different role, but all were essential. I’d feel strange singling out a few when it’s really the collective web of relationships, experiences, and challenges that have brought me here.

That said, my background in health science has had a profound influence on how I approach design. It gave me the lens to understand the nervous system, to think about sensory environments not just as aesthetic experiences but as tools for regulation, healing, and transformation. That understanding continues to guide how I create—always with the body, mind, and spirit in mind.

Website: https://thebardo.art

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flora.papi_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luther-ocasio-452295211/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@florapapi