The Architectural Woodwork Institute – holding its 61st Annual Convention Oct. 9-11 in Orlando – is a pillar of the woodworking industry, though some of its endeavors may escape the notice of non-members. Besides being highly accomplished in architectural millwork and buildouts, members are among the savviest operations in the woodworking interiors field.

AWI sets and maintains, through careful rigor and review, the Architectural Woodwork Standards – the Bible of specification, construction and installation of interior architectural woodwork. AWI helped launch an affiliate AWI Quality Certification Program, which provides certification credentials to woodworking firms who, through comprehensive testing and inspection, demonstrate the ability to fabricate, finish and/or install work in accordance with the quality grade criteria set forth in those Architectural Woodwork Standards.

Woodwork Career Alliance
AWI also administered the launch of the Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA), which verifies machine operating skills of woodworkers with its Passport Program. WCA is also developing training and certification programs for education centers, in schools and businesses across the country, addressing our need for skilled workers.

AWI’s new Cost of Doing Business Survey found its members are doing better, both hiring and investing, which they richly deserve for all they provide the woodworking industry.