Callie van der Merwe
Principal & Creative Director
Australia
Callie van der Merwe a registered Australian Architect and founder of COOOP, is a pioneer in design-driven behavioural design within the built environment. Based 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 prioritizing the science behind human interaction with space.
COOOP's unique philosophy, "design comes last," emphasizes the importance of underlying factors like acoustics, shapes, volumes, textures, proportions lighting quality smells etc in shaping human experience. By leveraging these elements, COOOP creates spaces that maximize engagement and return on investment for their clients.
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.
Through COOOP, Callie and his team are revolutionizing the way we interact with our built environment, one space at a time
