Ari Takata-Vasquez

Ari Takata-Vasquez is a design and community development professional with extensive experience in creative placemaking and economic development. As the founder and creative director of Viscera Studio since August 2021, Ari leads a full-service design studio focused on impactful projects. In addition, Ari serves as the executive director of Oakland Indie Alliance, representing over 500 independent businesses and facilitating coalition-building, marketing, and fundraising efforts. As an instructor and consultant at Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, Ari provides guidance to entrepreneurs in retail design and visual merchandising. Previously, Ari founded VISCERA, where a unique brand and storefront were developed, and managed commercial leasing and build-out projects at the Department of Treasury. Academic qualifications include a Master of City and Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Community Design from the University of San Francisco.