Zonda publications have been named finalists in eight categories for the 72nd annual Jesse H. Neal Awards, the most prestigious honors in specialized journalism. This year’s nominations recognize excellence across Zonda’s flagship brands, BUILDER and JLC, spanning editorial, design, video, and technical content.
The nominations highlight the strength and creativity of Zonda’s media and editorial teams, reinforcing the company’s longstanding commitment to delivering industry-leading journalism that informs, educates, and inspires housing professionals.
“To be recognized by the Neal Awards is an honor that speaks to both consistency and ambition,” said Symone Strong, managing editor of BUILDER. “Our team is relentless about producing journalism that not only informs but leads the conversation in our industry. This recognition underscores the impact and authority our brands bring to the market.”
The Jesse H. Neal Awards, presented by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), recognize excellence in business-to-business journalism and have celebrated editorial achievement since 1955.
Zonda’s 2026 Neal Award Finalists by Category
- Best Art Direction for a Cover
- Builder Q1 Cover — BUILDER
- Best Award Coverage
- Builder’s Choice Design Awards — BUILDER
- Best Explanatory Content
- Builder’s Explanatory Journalism — BUILDER
- Best Overall Art Direction/Design
- Builder Magazine — BUILDER
- Best Profile Article
- Best Short-Form Video
- Inside Edge Series — BUILDER
- Best Single Issue of a Magazine
- Builder Q4 — BUILDER
- Best Technical/Scientific Content
Winners will be announced at the Neal Awards ceremony on April 21 in New York City. Learn more about the Neal Awards and view all 2026 finalists at https://siia.net/neals/.
About Zonda
Zonda provides data-driven housing market solutions to the home building industry. From builders to building product manufacturers, mortgage clients, and multifamily executives, we work hand-in-hand with our customers to streamline access to housing data to empower smarter decisions. As a leading brand in residential construction, our mission is to advance the home building industry, because we believe better homes mean better lives and stronger communities. Together, we are building the future of housing.
About BUILDER
BUILDER is the No. 1 resource—via its award-winning journalism and industry events—for anyone involved in new-home construction. Primarily focused on the single-family sector, BUILDER strives to help home builders manage their operations, large and small, more efficiently and profitably. Residential construction pros turn to BUILDER for housing-related news, market analysis, design trends, M&A deals, building product coverage, and more.
About JLC
The Journal of Light Construction is written by and for residential and light commercial contractors. Its pro-grade, detailed, and step-by-step instructions make it the leading training destination for the industry. Readers are a dynamic audience of builders, remodelers, and general contractors intent on improving their craftsmanship, processes, and businesses.
