Surface is one of the most active production companies in Mexico’s social, corporate, and fashion event circuit. With a strong catalog of Astera luminaires, its approach relies on design, creativity, and wireless technology. A story of expansion, trust, and collaboration with OHM Distribution.
Design, Aesthetics, and Purpose: Surface’s Perspective
Astera’s technology is only part of the whole—what defines Surface’s work is its ability to turn it into a visual language.
Founded in Mexico City, with offices in CDMX and Los Cabos, and with more than ten years of experience, Surface specializes in the design, production, and operation of lighting experiences for social and corporate events, fashion shows, brand activations, and more. From weddings with high-level technical setups to internationally recognized fashion events, its focus is both aesthetic and functional.
“Surface was born as a design company, not a rental company,” explains Raysul De Los Santos, founder and general director. “And that’s noticeable in every project: we don’t arrive with a catalog, we arrive with a proposal.”
That vision sets them apart and allows them to play with a wide range of technical resources. “We have architects, lighting designers, programmers… we understand light as part of the event concept, not just another accessory.”
Currently, the Surface team consists of more than 30 people. “I started alone, then we were five, then ten… and that’s how we grew. Today we have a high-level creative and technical team capable of responding to any type of event,” Raysul summarizes. Part of that growth was driven by the incorporation of cutting-edge technology such as Astera, which redefined the team’s operational and aesthetic limits.
Specialization in a “boutique market” also shaped their way of operating. “Our clients want things done in a very specific way. Aesthetics, cleanliness, and originality are fundamental,” he adds. That’s why they don’t work like a traditional rental company—each production is conceived as a comprehensive project. “Without a doubt, we create experiences.”
One of their most recent experiences was the Mercedes-Benz event held during the Formula 1 race week in Mexico City, where Surface implemented a custom lighting scheme with Astera. “It was a different setup, with equipment requested specifically for the occasion. And soon we’ll have a large-scale wedding in Cabo, commissioned from the United States, with a specific rider: everything must be Astera. That makes a huge difference,” highlights Raysul.
For them, every event is a blank canvas. “We work with mood boards, renders, layouts… we like to arrive with a very clear idea because that builds trust and allows the client to understand where we’re headed,” says Raysul. But working in those environments also means staying alert to the real limitations of the space, setup times, and coordination with other production teams. “We’ve had events where we only have three hours to set everything up or where we have to share the venue with other crews. That’s why the design has to be not only beautiful but also executable.”
That philosophy—where design interacts so closely with production—is what makes Surface a true reference in live event execution.
ASTERA: Portable, Powerful, and Versatile Light
Astera came to Surface about six years ago and has since become a key ally for its most demanding setups. “We have almost the entire catalog,” says Elizabeth Limón, Project Manager at the company and one of the people responsible for designing integrated experiences.
The use of the brand’s luminaires goes beyond functionality—they are an essential part of Surface’s visual identity. “We love how they look on camera, their color fidelity, and how easily they integrate into any type of event,” says Elizabeth.
Their current inventory includes Titan Tube, Helios Tube, AX3, AX5, Pluto, QuickSpot, QuickPunch, HydraPanel, and NYX, in addition to the latest arrivals: the Luna and Sola Bulb models, already ordered and on their way. “I told Bernardo that this year we’ll complete the entire catalog,” Raysul says with a laugh, referring to Bernardo Moya, partner at OHM, Astera’s distributor in Mexico—and with that, he makes it clear that the commitment is total.
That investment in cutting-edge technology also responds to a differentiation strategy. “Astera changed our way of lighting. There’s nothing like it on the market. It’s elegant, reliable, and powerful,” he comments.
But the difference lies not only in the equipment but in how they use it. “It’s not just a tube that gives light—it’s a decorative element, a visual gesture,” says Elizabeth, describing how Titan Tubes are integrated into scenic design. In many of their projects, these luminaires not only illuminate but also compose. “We can have 200 fixtures distributed across a 10,000-square-meter area, all synchronized. Doing that with another brand would be impossible or costly in terms of time and resources,” adds Raysul.
In addition to their technical qualities (wireless operation, long autonomy, and app-based configuration), Astera brings an impeccable aesthetic, ideal for the type of events Surface produces: luxury weddings, premium brand activations, and fashion shows with influencer presence. “Many of our clients live off content. If they don’t look good, they don’t post it—and that ends up affecting the event. Astera guarantees that every image comes out perfect, even from a phone,” Raysul points out.
Finally, they emphasize the value of operational accessibility: ease of use, an intuitive app, and the ability to show the client, in real time, how the light can function within the concept. “It’s a friendly brand, not an intimidating one. It breaks that barrier that only technicians can operate a fixture. It allows us to make our clients part of the creative process,” Elizabeth notes. In Raysul’s words: “It’s one of those brands that makes you look good. It gives you confidence as a provider—and that’s priceless.”
More than a supplier, Astera has become a creative partner. “It’s a brand that evolves at our pace,” admits Elizabeth. “Every new product they launch seems designed for the type of experiences we want to create.” That natural connection between technology and aesthetic vision consolidates Astera as a structural part of Surface’s visual language. It’s not just equipment—it’s a tool to inspire emotion, transform spaces, and elevate each production to the level their clients demand.
A Trusted Partner: OHM DISTRIBUTION
The bond between Surface and OHM Distribution—Astera’s official representative in Mexico—is based on more than logistics: it’s a relationship of trust, support, and technical collaboration that strengthens every project. “OHM is not just our supplier, it’s our strategic partner,” states Raysul. “They’re always available, they help us with advice, with stock, with quick solutions. It’s a team that understands the industry and knows how to support you.”
In that sense, Jerónimo Ramírez, Sales Manager at OHM Distribution, plays a key role: “He knows the product deeply, responds immediately, and is always looking for ways to make our work easier,” highlights Elizabeth.
“They’ve been with us throughout Surface’s growth and have been part of Astera’s consolidation in Mexico. It’s a two-way relationship, where both sides can rely on each other,” she adds. And in a competitive and demanding market like Mexico’s, having a solid distributor makes all the difference.
The response to technical needs is also immediate. “If we have any doubt, consultation, or special request, OHM is always there. And that’s what makes Astera work for us as a complete system, not just as a product,” says Raysul.
When Technology Becomes Art
In the hands of Surface’s team, Astera’s technology ceases to be merely a technical resource and becomes a narrative element.
With the support of OHM Distribution and a unique creative vision, it combines precision, style, and emotion.
Because in the end, in every event, there’s a story to tell. And Astera is the light that tells it.
http://www.ohmdistribution.com
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