POTOMAC FALLS, VA — The Architectural Woodwork Institute, Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Assn. of Canada and the Woodwork Institute announce the publication of a joint unified standard for the specification of qualities, methods and workmanship to produce and install architectural millwork. This manual reflects a three-year effort by the three associations to combine previous publications used by the design community to specify woodwork, the Quality Standards Illustrated and the Manual of Millwork.

The first edition of the Architectural Woodwork Standards is a definitive reference manual designed to simplify and clarify guidelines, information and principles required for fabrication, finishing and installation of architectural woodwork. It provides design professionals with a logical and facile means to comprehensively specify woodwork elements. The new standards become effective on October 1, 2009. At that time, if contract documents state that a project must be specified in accordance with either the Quality Standards Illustrated or the Manual of Millwork, the new AWS takes precedence.

Copies of the AWS can be ordered from AWI at awinet.org. An updated errata page will be published on a regular basis and posted on the AWI Web site.