Otherplace
Otherplace is a digital and physical micro-world building studio — merging AI and human creativity to design emotionally intelligent systems, products, and brand experiences. We exist to eliminate drift in modern creative work by replacing subjective guesswork with data-backed emotional clarity. At the core of our practice is OPL–EOS, a proprietary AI platform that scans and interprets brand signals across every touchpoint — from voice to visuals to product interactions. This engine doesn’t just enhance creativity; it automates brand consistency at scale. The result: unmistakably resonant outputs that adapt to context without losing soul. Whether we’re shaping a digital identity, refining a product interface, or architecting a launch system, we operate as both a studio and a system — building the emotional infrastructure for future-facing brands.
The Founders' Journey
Andres Jasso — Founder, Creative Direction, Product & Systems Design
Andres Jasso brings over 12 years of design expertise to Otherplace, with a track record that includes tenure at two technology startups that were successfully acquired. His work has contributed to over $200 million in business value, most notably during his time at Wisely, which was acquired by Olo for $187 million in November 2021.
Previously serving 2016 to 2022, Andres helped shape the brand's identity and UI, designing everything from the company's initial restaurant technology platform to supporting the acquisition process. His design thinking philosophy helped fuel the company's rapid growth—transforming complex systems into intuitive, emotionally intelligent tools for restaurants.
Based in San Antonio, Texas, Andres currently runs multiple ventures that share a foundation of design. Beyond Otherplace, he is the founder of SAFEHOUSE, an elevated membership lounge, and Oak & Saint, a Japanese-inspired coffee and natural wine concept that draws from the principle of omotenashi—"service from the bottom of the heart".
Aakash Bhargava — Partner, Systems Architect, Design
Following Wisely's success, Aakash joined Andres as co-founder of SAFEHOUSE—a refined third-space community designed for thinkers, creatives, builders, and those seeking deeper connection. As systems architect, Aakash leads the design of SAFEHOUSE's infrastructure, blending spatial design, digital systems, and community operations into a singular, intentional experience.
Aakash's approach to systems thinking helps bridge the technical and experiential aspects of Otherplace's work, ensuring that every digital touchpoint feels as considered as the physical spaces they create.
The Evolution: All Hands to Otherplace
The studio began as ALL HANDS in 2017, operating as a creative design studio that executed ideas and brands with a team of 2-10 employees. As the practice matured and the scope of work expanded beyond traditional design services, the decision was made to evolve the brand identity to better reflect the studio's unique approach to systems thinking and emotional design.
The transition to Otherplace represents more than a name change—it signals the studio's evolution toward creating "other places" where brands and experiences can exist beyond conventional norms. This rebrand aligns with broader industry trends where design studios refresh their identities to attract new audiences and better represent their expanded capabilities.
Studio Portfolio & Impact
Otherplace's portfolio spans industries including SaaS, fintech, logistics, hospitality, and media, with notable projects including:
Wisely: Customer intelligence platform for restaurants (acquired by Olo for $187M)
SAFEHOUSE: Third-space community for creatives and thinkers
FGX: Global shipping logistics company transformation
Karat: Credit card platform for creators
Planhat: Customer success platform redesign
HBO's Silicon Valley: Brand visuals and materials for the series finale
Current Innovation: OPL—EOS
Otherplace is currently developing OPL—EOS (Otherplace Emotional Operating System), a proprietary AI system that gives brand and product agencies emotional intelligence at scale. This cutting-edge work positions the studio at the intersection of design and artificial intelligence, developing tools that help brands understand and respond to human emotions in more nuanced ways.
The development of OPL—EOS reflects the broader trend toward emotional AI—technology that measures, understands, simulates, and reacts to human emotions. By creating systems that can interpret emotional cues and adapt accordingly, Otherplace is pioneering new ways for brands to create more empathetic and responsive experiences.
Philosophy & Approach
At its core, Otherplace operates as both creative partner and systems architect—working closely with clients to uncover the essence of their offering and design with long-term momentum in mind. The studio's essence is rooted in the belief that every touchpoint is a canvas, and every brand interaction an opportunity to evoke emotion.
The work challenges conventional norms and embraces new possibilities, creating transformative moments that have a lasting positive impact on culture. Whether designing digital platforms or physical spaces, the studio maintains a consistent focus on systems thinking, emotional intelligence, and intentional craft.
The Numbers
Founded: 2017 (as All Hands)
Team Size: 2-5 employees
Portfolio Value: Contributed to $200M+ in business outcomes
Acquisition Impact: Key design role in $187M Wisely acquisition
Geographic Reach: Projects spanning multiple industries and markets