Zonda publications were recently esteemed with five Jesse H. Neal Awards for editorial excellence at the Software & Information Industry Association’s 70th annual awards ceremony.

BUILDER and ARCHITECT magazines took home the trophies, with two and three respective wins each of Zonda’s nine total finalists.

“The Zonda editorial teams do an excellent job of capturing what’s going on in the industries they cover,” says Steve Ladurantaye, senior vice president of content and editor-in-chief of BUILDER magazine. “While the awards are a really nice way to acknowledge the quality of this work, it’s the team’s daily commitment to excellence that impresses me the most.”

BUILDER was recognized for:

  • Best Overall Art Direction – “Managing the Opioid Crisis:” This in-depth feature by associate editor Vincent Salandro—with art direction from art director Alice Ashe—delves into the opioid crisis’ impact on the construction industry. While stigma against opioid use and silence on the issue have persisted in the industry and the overall population, efforts to promote change are beginning to occur. Read the full article here.
  • Best Profile Article – “Grounds for Growth:” Associate editor Leah Draffen wrote this profile article on Rex Jensen, president and CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch and BUILDER’s 2023 Legends Award winner. In her article, Draffen walks readers through Jensen’s rise to the top of Lakewood Ranch’s massive development, from his earliest days considering a role at the development to his modern-day management tips and tricks. Read the full article here.

The magazine was also a finalist in the following categories:

  • Best Single Article – “Managing the Opioid Crisis”
  • Best Commentary – “Zonda Chief Economist Ali Wolf Columns”
  • Best Art Direction for a Cover – “Tech Tools”

ARCHITECT was recognized for:

  • Best Climate Change Coverage – “A Case for Rewilding”
  • Best Overall Art Direction – “A Case for Rewilding”
  • Best Art Direction for a Cover – “Building Community”

“We’re thrilled to be recognized for ARCHITECT magazine’s dedication to covering the most pressing issues in climate change, sustainability, and building community,” says the magazine’s editor-in-chief Paul Makovsky. “The Neal Awards are great reminders of the value of our contributions as journalists.”