Sustainability Part 1: Designing for the New Climate Reality
We are kicking off the new year with a three-part series on sustainability and design, in which we explore a variety of topics ranging from how to design for the new climate reality we’re facing to the most current tools and resources that architects and designers can use to reduce the carbon footprints of their projects, and wrapping up by focusing on sustainability higher education and how a number of universities are making commitments to curbing the climate crisis on a global scale. In this episode, Chief Content Director Robert Nieminen sits down with Jay Valgora, principal and founder of STUDIO V, and Jonce Walker, global director of sustainability and wellness at HLW, for a lively conversation in which they shared their passion for and perspectives on how to design for the new climate reality.
Meet Our Guests
Jay Valgora, principal and founder, STUDIO V
Jay was born in Buffalo where the abandoned grain elevators and the industrial waterfront where his father worked inspired him to become an architect. He is a graduate of Harvard and Cornell Universities and a Fulbright Fellow. Jay was appointed to NYC’s Waterfront Management Advisory Board, advised on the NYC’s Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, headed the New York AIA Waterfront Initiative, and sits on the advisory board of the Urban Land Institute. He has lived in multiple cities and has never owned a car.
Jonce Walker, global director of sustainability and wellness, HLW
About the Author
Robert Nieminen
Market Content Director
Market Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Market Content Director of three leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.
He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.
Robert's work has earned him industry-wide recognition throughout his career, including:
- ASBPE Award (2019, 2018, 2017, 2015)—Best Regularly-Contributed Column; retrofit
- TABPI Award (2017, 2016)—Top 25 Entries, Cover Story; Retail Environments
- WPA Maggie Award (2011, 2010, 2008)—Best Publication, Trade; interiors+sources
- FOLIO: Eddie Gold Award (2022, 2007)—Best Feature Article & Special Section; interiors+sources
- Contributing author of ASID’s 2020 Outlook and State of Interior Design repor, as well as The State of the Interior Design Profession (Fairchild Books, 2010), which earned a place on the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers’ “50 Must Read, Must Have” book list.