Now and Then
The Idea Behind Artthaus Studios
Artthaus Studios is a unique location in Oakland that reflects the historic manufacturing roots of this area. When acquired by Riaz Capital, a new idea emerged - to create a new work environment for today's dynamic creative community. From small workspaces to premium storefronts we are taking the office leasing experience to the next level by offering our members customized built-out spaces, turn-key solutions, as well as access to professional amenities, and an alternative educational platform called Artthaus Forum.
More than just a place to work
THRIVE AT ARTTHAUS STUDIOS
With Artthaus, you’ll not only find a workspace, but you will find a community where you can connect with other creators and entrepreneurs, perhaps sharing resources, finding new clients, and creating ideas that expand your thinking and work. Come to Artthaus and discover your future.
Cultivating Community
and Connection
Providing Opportunity
for Growth
Inspiring Positive
Creative Energy
Meet the Founder
Riaz Taplin
Riaz Taplin is the visionary behind Artthaus. He earned a BA, from London School of Economics and turned to design by founding a design / build firm, later joining the board member of the Oakland Promise, the urban planning think tank SPUR, and the American India Foundation.
Riaz’s community commitment brought him to developing work force housing; and from there the vision of Artthaus Studios, where he believes creative entrepreneurs living in Oakland need a place to grow and thrive. His focus the whole community allowed him to see the value of a thriving business-arts community environment and the value of supporting Oakland housing and the arts.
Early in his career, he founded a successful design-build firm in San Francisco. Joined the Board of Oakland Promise, SPUR - the urban planning think tank, and the American Indian Foundation. Today Riaz leads a team of over 30 professionals who manage a portfolio of over1500 residential units. To learn more watch our Meet The Founder video!
Play Video
We don't just rent spaces; we are committed to the community.
The People at Artthaus
Meet the Team
Joann Mallari
COMMUNITY DIRECTOR
With over 25 years' experience, Joann is no stranger to the operational functions of a company both internally among work groups as well as interacting with vendors and clients. She recently had the privilege of working as the Director of Operations for a boutique hotel located in the Bay Area and has also enjoyed her experience serving as the Human Resources liaison between management, C- level executives, and workgroups and in the field of Accounting. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and relaxing at their home in the East Bay. She loves to bake and experiment with new ways to create desserts and pastries that are connected with her culture and the ingredients she loves.
Max Reshulskiy
CHIEF PORTFOLIO OFFICER & PARTNER
Max Reshulskiy has over 12 years of experience in the real estate and investment industry, seven of which at Riaz Capital as a key member of the leadership team. As a Partner and Chief Portfolio Officer, Max leads the finance and property management functions. Max focuses on people, processes, and systems to optimize the operations of Riaz Capital’s properties and the internal health of the organization while staying abreast of external trends and technology-driven changes in real estate.
Prior to joining Riaz Capital and Artthaus Studios, Max spent over three years at Gazprom’s real estate subsidiary where he led the Due Diligence and Finance team working on project pipeline, which included both commercial and residential projects worth more than $1Bn. He holds a major in Economics from St. Petersburg University and an MBA from Hult International Business School.
Ella Marshall
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATE
Ella graduated from The London School of Economics and Political Science with a BSc in International Relations and History with Spanish. She is originally from Bristol in the UK and joins us following an exchange year at UC Berkeley. Ella has a background in community leading and building, having founded her own mental-health focused Community Interest Company in the UK. She’s also worked in creative industries for a number of years, as a live music professional on tour and in venues and as the Station Manager of a university radio station. In her spare time, Ella makes the most of her move to California by climbing, hiking and paddle boarding. Alongside her role with Riaz Capital, she will be developing her practice as a photographer, writer, and DJ.
Eric Stephenson
Front Desk
Need last name, photo and bio here
Deedha Ruhan
COMMUNITY ASSISTANT
Deedah is the Community Assistant at Riaz Capital. She is responsible for ensuring that the members of Artthaus Studios receive a world class experience . She brings strong customer service skills to the team and customer satisfaction is her core belief. She has six years of excellent customer service experience and has achieved recognition in this by actively listening, empathizing, and delivering communication with respect. Deedah’s personal values are to work hard and play hard. This stems from her 13 years as a competitive volleyball player. Her experience as an athlete has prepared her to excel under pressure, communicate effectively, achieve goals, and work successfully with cross functional teams. Respecting diversity, including all opinions and feedback and extracting ideas from all are some of her mottos.
Jamshid Bigzad
MAINTENANCE LEAD
Jamshid worked for the US Army in Engineering from 2011 to 2016 in Afghanistan. He moved to the United States and worked for a packing company