Benner Boswell

Background

About Benner Boswell

I am a multidisciplinary designer and researcher interested in the intersections and interdependencies between human and non-human systems. I have led and strategically scaled operations at small, sustainably-minded companies in industries ranging from local food to furniture and immersive art experiences. Be it digging holes or digging into data, my motivation has always been to make a positive impact on people and the planet. As a leader, I add value through my operational wizardry, constant curiosity, and as champion of an open, positive culture. I use design thinking to ideate solutions from feet and the ground level simultaneously, creating consensus, community, and confidence. I have built efficiency into supply chains and procurement protocols, cut lead times by 25%, tripled production output, and championed the health and safety of my teams (and that’s just this past year). My brand of analytical creativity drives innovation and exploration while maintaining budgets, timelines, and quality. In my research-based design practice, I create tools and provocations that connect people to ground, place, and history through object driven site-specific interactions and interventions. I have exhibited works at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, California Academy of Science, The Museum of Craft and Design, and Youth Art Exchange’s [X]space and am currently collaborating with Futurefarmers and If/Then Studio. If you’re working on sustainability challenges, experiential education, or unorthodox design of any kind, and you are looking for a creative researcher, crafty builder or smooth operator, please reach out! I’m always open to new collaborations, ideas and projects.