Name: Callie van der Merwe
Company Name: COOOP
Position Within Company: Creative Director. Chief Envirohacker
Website: www.cooop.co
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Callie van der Merwe a registered Australian Architect and founder of COOOP, is a pioneer in science-driven behavioural design within the built environment. Head quartered in Sydney, with global reach through offices in Dubai and the Netherlands, COOOP is a multidisciplinary design studio that redefines the way we experience spaces.
Callie’s career trajectory, from early 90s architecture to 2000s interior architecture, has been marked by award-winning projects worldwide. His signature approach, “design-for-behaviour,” challenges traditional design methods by prioritising the science behind human interaction with space.
In 2024 Callie and his team introduced the concept of “envirohacking” as a way to describe the infusion of neuroscience and environmental psychology into design in order to create environments that are not only functional but also emotionally resonant and sustainable. They have found this approach to be highly effective in nudging guests towards certain desired behaviours like dwell time, footfall and social engagement etc.
Key aspects of envirohacking include:
Evidence-Based Design: Using scientific research to inform design decisions.
Tailor-Built Environments: Creating spaces that cater to specific needs and behaviours.
Positive Human Responses: Designing spaces that promote well- being and productivity.
Environmental Sustainability: Incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices.
Awards:
2025
- Asia Pacific Property & Hotel Awards / IPAX Asia Pacific: Winner – Best Leisure Interior Australia – The Meat & Wine Co. Safari, Circular Quay by COOOP
- RTF (Rethinking The Future) Awards: Recognised – Meat & Wine Co. Safari by COOOP – Interior Design Awards
- FoodInSpace Awards: Vogue Cafe Sydney – Australia Category Wins – All-day, Bar, Restaurant, Lighting, Surfaces & Finishes
- FoodInSpace Awards: The Meat & Wine Co. Safari – Circular Quay, Sydney Category Wins – Biophilic, Flooring & Wallcoverings, Lighting, Steakhouse, Surfaces & Finishes
- FoodInSpace Awards: The Coffee Club – Brisbane Airport Village Category Wins – Branding, Colour, Fast Casual, Lighting, Surfaces & Finishes
2024
- QSR Australia Award: Winner – Best Restaurant Renovation – The Coffee Club
2023
- Light Middle East Awards: Top 5 Finalist – Hunter & Barrel, The Hills
- EMAAR: Hunter & Barrel, Mirdif Project of the Year – MEA
2021
- Restaurant & Bar Design Awards: Finalist – The Meat & Wine Co. Adelaide
- Light Middle East Awards: Top 5 Finalist – Nestlé Lahore Head Office – Workplace Design
2020
- Good Design Awards Australia: Winner – 6HEAD – The Rocks, Sydney