René Linssen is a South African-born Australian industrial designer based in Canberra.

For the past decade, René has worked at Formswell Design, where he collaborates with clients to develop products across consumer goods, homewares, furniture, hospitality, sport and government sectors. His work spans the entire design process, from research and concept development through to engineering, manufacturing and market launch.

René believes industrial design carries a responsibility to positively shape the world we live in. He is particularly interested in the relationship between people and the objects they use every day, and how thoughtful design can create products that are both functional and meaningful.

Alongside his professional practice, René is a sessional lecturer at the University of Canberra College, where he teaches industrial design and visual communication. He completed his Bachelor of Industrial Design at the University of Canberra in 2016 and remains actively involved in supporting the next generation of Australian designers.

Awards/Recognition

2026 — Good Design Award Winner (Bloom).
2025 — Good Design Award Winner (NCD Pulse).
2024 — Good Design Award Gold Winner (Paragon Espresso).
2024 — Good Design Award Winner (Werka: Mechanical Hitch).
2023 — Good Design Award Winner (Edglit).
2023 — Good Design Award Winner (Paragon).
2023 — Australian Design Review 30under30.
2018 — Vivid Design Competition Finalist.
2017 — Mercedes-Benz Design Award Finalist.
2017 — Belle Alessi Design Award Winner.
2016 — ACT Australian Government Bike Rack Design Competition Winner.
2016 — Vivid Design Competition Finalist.
2015 — Vogue Living Alessi Emerging Designer Award Winner.
2014 — Reece Bathroom Innovation Award Student Finalist.
2014 — Design Institute of Australia Professional Encouragement Award (Industrial Design).

Exhibitions

2021 — Community - Hosted by ‘Alt Material’ for Melbourne Design Week.
2020 — HOME:MADE - Design Canberra Festival.
2020 — Ductility - Hosted by ‘Alt Material’ for Melbourne Design Week.
2019 — Denfair (Furnished Forever) - Convention Centre, Melbourne.
2019 — Elasticity - Hosted by ‘Alt Material’ for Melbourne Design Week.
2019 — Home.Grown (Furnished Forever) - Sydney Design Festival.
2018 — Denfair Front | Centre - Convention Centre, Melbourne.
2017 — Workshopped17 - Supa Centa Moore Park, Sydney.
2017 — Denfair Front | Centre - Convention Centre, Melbourne.
2016 — Workshopped16 - Supa Centa Moore Park, Sydney.
2015 — Workshopped15 - Supa Centa Moore Park, Sydney.
2015 — Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre’s Emerging Contemporaries, Canberra.

Memberships
Craft and Design Canberra
Accredited Professional Membership
2017 — Present