October 8, 2026

DJC wins WNPA awards for page design, special sections, business reporting

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November’s top award-winning Sustainable Building special section was described as ‘fascinating’ by a WNPA judge.

The Daily Journal of Commerce's feature page design, special sections, and business reporting were honored this weekend at the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association's 2026 Better Newspaper Contest.

Our Sustainable Building & Design special section won first place in WNPA's Lifestyle/Culture Sections category. We also won an award for our business reporting. And notably, our feature page design won first, second and third place among papers of comparable circulation, earning Art Director Jeffrey Miller a “sweeps award” for his clean-up of all awards offered in the category.

“We are incredibly proud of our team and all they have accomplished,” said DJC Editor Lisa Lannigan. “Shawna, Emma and Jeff have put so much hard work and dedication into what they do, and these awards show that.”

Three of Miller's page designs were noted for their outstanding layout; two Business pages, and one Weekend page, for which Miller is also the editor.

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Art Director Jeff Miller took home first place for his design of DJC Staff Reporter Nina Milligan’s feature on Leah Martin of Allied8.

“I'm proud of the work we're doing at the DJC, grateful to the WNPA for recognizing us and apologetic to everyone who was sitting near me at the awards dinner for how loudly I cheered when we won,” Miller said Wednesday.

Lannigan agreed that the DJC newsroom couldn't hold back their noise when Miller's sweep was announced Saturday at WNPA's 139th annual convention and awards dinner.

“You should have heard us at the awards dinner when Jeff swept his award category!” Lannigan said. “It was wonderful to see his talent and hard work receive such well-deserved recognition.”

‘SOLID BUSINESS REPORTING FOR BUSINESSES'

Architecture and Engineering Editor Emma Lapworth took home a third-place Business Feature Story award for her May 23, 2025, article on Populus Seattle, “Seattle's first ‘carbon positive' hotel opens in Pioneer Square.”

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A&E Editor Emma Lapworth won a business feature award for her coverage of Populus Seattle’s opening.

“Solid business reporting for businesses,” a WNPA judge commented on Lapworth's story. “Well done.”

Lannigan also applauded Lapworth, who has a Ph.D. in History from the University of Washington, for her ongoing comprehensive coverage.

“Emma has a real passion for architecture and history,” Lannigan said. “This award is a great reflection of her insightful reporting and detailed storytelling. Well done, Emma!”

The paper was again commended by the state newspaper association for its special sections, taking first position among Lifestyle/Culture Sections for Sustainable Building & Design, which was edited by this reporter, Associate Editor Shawna Gamache, who also edits all of the paper's special sections and features, and designed by Miller.

“I found this entry fascinating,” a WNPA judge commented. “I enjoyed reading and learning, keeping my attention and looking forward to reading more. Photography is also a plus. Overall, great!”

The DJC special sections and features team also includes Lannigan, who makes sure every piece transfers well from print to the internet, and Matt Brown managing advertising.

Lannigan said it was wonderful to see Gamache recognized for her dedication on DJC special sections.

“Shawna puts a great deal of work and attention into every detail of our special sections,” Lannigan said. “Each one represents hours of thoughtful editing, planning and coordination.”

Gamache noted that our sections remain stand-out because of the meaningful work local industry thinkers contribute to their articles.

This year's first place-winning section featured articles authored by local AEC experts at Anchor QEA, BuildingWork, CollinsWoerman, Coughlin Porter Lundeen, Lake Washington Partners, the Miller Hull Partnership, Skanska, Turner Construction and UMC.

Last year, our special sections team's Zoos and Aquariums feature pages won first place in the state newspaper association's Comprehensive Coverage category, and our special section on the Seattle Storm Center for Basketball Performance was awarded second place in WNPA's Lifestyle/Culture Sections category.

The team is slated to wrap up 2026 with two more special sections: Back to School PK-12, running on Oct. 22; and this year's Sustainable Building and Design, publishing Nov. 19.

The DJC's 2027 Editorial Calendar is set to drop next week.