I’m Ben Rennie. I work where creativity, systems, and impact meet.
As a designer, writer, and advisor, I help brands, organisations, and leaders rethink how they show up in the world, for their teams, and the future. My work isn’t about decoration; it’s about re-designing the systems we rely on to drive change, build resilience, and leave things better.
Over the last two decades, I’ve been exploring what comes after Design Thinking and Human-Centred Design. Out of that came Systemic Design Foundations, a framework I’ve called Orbital Design. It’s a way of designing that doesn’t just centre on humans, but also includes systems, ecology, and human behaviour, giving Mother Nature a seat at the table.
As Creative Director and founder of Reny®, a global brand and UX design studio based in Sydney, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City, I’ve been able to apply these principles to create experiences, environments, and brands that drive impact across community, climate, and culture.
I serve as Chair for Design Declares Australia, a global movement to reposition design as a solution to the climate crisis.
In 2019, I was invited to speak at Parliament House to Australia’s leaders and the Prime Minister on the role of design, and Fast Company recognised me as an international voice in design innovation (that was a big moment for me).
I’m also the author of Lessons in Creativity (Wiley, 2025) and have written for Fast Company, Smart Company, Wired, and numerous other design magazines and blogs. Along the way, I’ve spoken on stages around the world, sat down with two sitting prime ministers (and one who almost made it), interviewed political legends like Bob Brown, and crossed paths with icons like David Bowie, Hugh Jackman, Ita Buttrose and Ronaldo.
It’s been a creative life. My next book, ReWired is due for release in 2026.
SPEAKING, EVENTS, MEDIA + PRESENTING.
I speak on creativity, design, leadership, and the messy, brilliant work of building things that matter. My talks cut through the noise - challenging old habits, pushing for braver ideas, and showing how vision, not slogans, shapes culture, sparks change, and earns real trust.
CURRENT TALKS I AM DOING RIGHT NOW
Why do 96% of kids see themselves as creative, but only 26% of adults do? Ben unpacks the crisis of lost creativity, sharing stories and strategies to reignite curiosity, challenge norms, and build cultures where ideas thrive.
Post-it notes won’t save us. Ben explores why the future belongs to brands that think systemically, lead with purpose, and design not just products — but better futures.
The planet’s on fire. Offsets won’t fix it. Let’s talk about how creativity can. I unpack how capitalism’s obsession with growth drives climate collapse — and why creativity, design, and leadership must radically shift to build regenerative, resilient systems. This keynote is a call to action for anyone ready to move beyond offsets and into real, systemic change.
I discuss creativity, leadership, design, climate, and how these elements are interconnected. I don’t do canned keynotes. I tell stories. I challenge assumptions. I bring a room into the hard, exhilarating work of rethinking how we live, work, and create.
I’ve spoken at TEDx, SXSW, Vivid, Parliament House, NBA events, B Corp gatherings, and design conferences from LA to London, Bali to Sydney. Big rooms, small rooms — always the same goal: to leave people with fewer clichés and more courage.
RENY STUDIO SYDNEY + LA
Reny® is where bold brands come to life. As a certified B Corp design studio, we create experiences, environments, and brands that drive real impact across community, climate, and culture. From strategy to execution, we help organizations build systems that don't just look good - they do good.
WRITING
I've spent 22 years writing about creativity, design, and the ideas that drive real change. From Fast Company to Wired, my work explores how we can think differently and build better systems.
Every Wednesday, I publish insights on Substack - testing ideas, challenging norms, and diving into the complex work of staying creative in an increasingly systematic world.
Lessons in Creativity represents two decades of this thinking, distilled into practical wisdom for anyone ready to reclaim their creative confidence.
TOPICS ON MY MIND RIGHT NOW!
SHOP THE BOOK + BUNDLES
SOME INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT ME WORTH SHARING.
Snowboard and ski instructor at Perisher, Selwyn, Whistler, Blackcomb, and Grouse Mountain.
Once, I gave a ski lesson to Val Kilmer (true story).
Played professional cricket in England (1994-1995) and competed nationally in Australia throughout the 1990s.
Editor of Uncluttered White Spaces (2009-2014), reaching 80,000 weekly readers and 75,000 subscribers.
Built a Facebook community of 135,000 followers before organic reach disappeared.
Current and former board positions: Chumpy Pullin Foundation, Surfrider Foundation, Design Declares Australia, Skin Check Champions, Beard Season, EOn Labs, and Mwah.
Spoken at TEDx, SXSW, Vivid Sydney, plus corporate events across four continents about creativity, design thinking, and challenging assumptions
Worked with 40+ eyewear brands including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Prada, and NetJets.
Former partner at Electric Eyewear, Standard Sock Company, Vert Eyewear, and Boxfresh Clothing.
Partner in Arkiterra, a carbon-negative architecture firm in Melbourne.
Deep admiration for Tim Ross's work preserving Australian design heritage.
I have taken Photographs in 30 countries and collaborated with world-renowned designers Ben Baker and Josh Evans.