ANSI approves first of Architectural Woodwork Institute's new industry standards
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POTOMAC FALL, VA, November 19, 2018 - The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved the AWI 0620 – Finish Carpentry Installation Standard, a first of many in the upcoming suite of new architectural woodwork Standards.
 
The new Installation Standard will be published alongside AWI's new primer standards, which include AWI 100 – Submittals, AWI 200 – Care & Storage, AWI 300 – Materials, and AWI 400 – Finishing.

NEWS

AWI at work on new ANSI woodwork suite of standards

The creation of the new AWI Standards is expected to continue for two years. They will define and address each aspect of architectural woodwork.


The AWI 0620 Installation Standard contains updated requirements for the installation of architectural woodwork and related interior finishes and has been simplified in a single-document format facilitating ease of use and reference. Other improvements to AWI's Standards include new and updated illustrations, direct links to an interactive online glossary, and language that is less focused on prescriptive requirements. 

The AWI 0620 –Finish Carpentry/Installation Standard, as well as the accompanying primer Standards, are expected to be published in first quarter, 2019. Until then, the Architectural Woodwork Standard, 2nd Edition remains the current woodwork standard. AWI is vetting this and upcoming standards through a balanced industry canvass group following AWI's ANSI-approved process. Following that canvass and balloting process, AWI will undergo an initial compliance audit administered by ANSI.  
 
The Architectural Woodwork Institute's National Testing Center  in Americus, Georgia
The Architectural Woodwork Institute's National Testing Center (NTC) in Americus, Georgia, has also completed extensive testing of base and wall cabinet joinery methods and various materials to ascertain integrity and functionality performance outcomes in support of the new AWI 0641 – Architectural Wood Casework Standard's development. In the coming months, NTC is conducting tests on tall storage cabinets and various drawer materials and joinery methods.  Additionally, NTC will be testing load capacity and span deflection values of different shelf materials common to architectural casework.
 
Technical help is available at 229-389-2543. Contact Ashley Goodin, [email protected],  for assistance and for information on participating in the standards review process. The Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) is a nonprofit trade association founded in 1953. Today, AWI represents nearly 3000 members consisting of architectural woodworkers, suppliers, design professionals and students from around the world. www.awinet.org

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Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.