The Last Word on PVC with HLW's Jonce Walker and Carnegie's Gordon Boggis
In this episode of I Hear Design, we’ll dive into a topic that’s sparked a lot of debate over the years: the use of PVC in the built environment. In spite of its ubiquitous usage by designers and specifiers for a variety of applications, questions about its its sustainability claims continue to swirl, and many A&D firms as well as manufacturers have eliminated PVC from their specifications and raw materials. Listen in as Jonce Walker, principal and managing director of BEYOND at HLW, and Gordon Boggis, CEO of Carnegie, discuss the trend toward healthier materials in the industry and what designers need to know about the impact vinyl has on people and the planet.
From this episode: UL’s seven “Sins of Greenwashing”
Meet Our Guests
Gordon Boggis, CEO of Carnegie
Gordon Boggis is the CEO of Carnegie. Before joining Carnegie in April 2021, Gordon led companies across various industries, focusing strongly on textiles, innovative materials, health and wellness, purpose-driven and environmentally sustainable businesses.
In the 20 years before joining Carnegie, Gordon was CEO and board member of several privately owned companies, including Mission (an innovative textile company that produced personal cooling gear), Redco Foods (better-for-you beverages), Unreal Brands (sustainable, better-for-you snacks) and Prince Sports (active lifestyle). He’s passionate about harnessing the talents of companies to be a force for good and deliver positive environmental change.
He began his career in marketing management with GlaxoSmithKline in the U.K. He then held senior management roles in the U.K., Germany, and South Carolina. Gordon grew up in the U.K. and gained his B. Sc. in chemistry from Loughborough University. He has lived in the U.S. for the last 23 years.
Jonce Walker, Global Director of Sustainability and Wellness at HLW
Jonce Walker, LEED AP, CSBA, Fitwel Ambassador, is the Global Director of Sustainability and Wellness at HLW where he oversees the coordination of a holistic, integrated design process –– from managing BEYOND, HLW's in-house sustainability, resilience, and building performance consultancy, to reinforcing the firm’s pledge to the AIA 2030 Commitment. Utilizing nearly two decades of experience in both the public and private sectors, Jonce is responsible for weaving sustainability into each stage of design, working to transcend project goals to maximize value for clients, repair ecology, reduce carbon, and improve end-user health and wellness.
About the Author
Robert Nieminen
Chief Content Director
Chief Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Chief 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.
Known for his sharp editorial vision and data-informed strategies, Robert focuses on audience growth, engagement, and content monetization, leveraging AI tools and SEO-driven insights to future-proof B2B publishing.