Here at Architectural Record, we work not only to bring you the best contemporary projects but also to report on the most critical issues confronting the profession today. That's why we're particularly proud of the recognition we've received from American Business Media's annual Jesse H. Neal awards—the Oscars for magazines like ours. RECORD won three of the big prizes: two for our special issue “Building for Social Change” (March 2012) and one for best single issue for “New Life for the American City” (October 2012). We were finalists for three other awards.

While covering such significant topics is a big part of our current mission—last month we presented new models for social housing—we also know how to have fun with the magazine's long traditions. With this issue of Record Houses, we're continuing our popular annual feature, first published in 1956. For the architects whose projects are chosen by our editors, the designation “Record House” has become a major honor. For readers, both inside the profession and out, the issue is a chance to see the best domestic design from around the world.