Ari Takata-Vasquez

About

People focused, agile designer with business acumen and a creative approach to problem-solving; tying together project management experience with an innovative design approach to intriguing problems. Experienced in economic development, urban design, and creative placemaking.

Experience

• Founder + Creative Director · Viscera Studio2021-08-01 –

  Founder and creative director of Viscera Studio, a full-service design studio specializing in the implementation of creative placemaking and economic development projects.

• Executive Director · Oakland Indie Alliance2020-03-01 –

  Oakland's member led and organized small business alliance, representing 500+ local, independently-owned businesses. - coalition-building across nonprofits and business-facing organizations - marketing and messaging to our Oakland community at large - fundraising and grant-making - growing organizational capacity

• Instructor & Consultant · Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center2019-03-01 –

  I provide one-on-one consulting with entrepreneurs in all stages of their business to advise on design and visual merchandising. In addition to consulting with entrepreneurs individually, I also provide educational opportunities through workshops and training pertaining to retail and brick & mortar operations.

• Founder · VISCERA2014-06-01 – 2020-03-01

  Creating a concept, brand, online store and brick and mortar location. All design work is kept in-house to maintain purity in our aesthetic and vision. Creating, implementing, designing, and operating a brick and mortar retail shop, as well as a 3D printed jewelry brand grossing six-figures annually. All visual aspects of the business created in-house, including space design, graphics, photography and visual branding. Balancing day to day operations with visionary business planning and leadership. • Press features in SF Chronicle, 7x7, Oakland magazine, Hoodline, etc. • Under-budget & on-time e-commerce & brick & mortar launch • Managing inventory and operational budgets • Creating pro formas to evaluate new project opportunities • Leading and motivating a team with diverse skill-sets • Creating successful campaigns including print advertising, digital content marketing projects, and creating a print magazine

• Project Manager · Department of Treasury2010-06-01 – 2015-03-01

  Managing commercial leasing and build-outs of interiors spaces and day to day operations. Creating and executing projects from idea phase through design intent, design development, construction and close-out. Tasks including contract negotiation, managing and leading contractors, vendor scheduling, and regular maintenance and evaluation of our space portfolio. Duties include organizing market surveys, lease administration, facilities management, construction administration for TI projects and creating ROIs for long range planning efforts. • Projects included successful pilots of a hot-desk concept resulting in space reduction and cost savings of $260k over the lease term • Developing legacy systems for building drawings, contracting documents and project files increasing efficiency • Identifying opportunities for operational improvements nationally and elevating ideas to C-level executives

Education

• University of California, BerkeleyMaster of City and Regional Planning, Urban design
• University of San FranciscoBachelor of Arts, Architecture + Community Design

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