Architectural Woodwork Institute Email Format
ConstructionVirginia, United States51-200 Employees
The Architectural Woodwork Institute is a nonprofit trade association serving the construction and architectural woodwork sector. Founded in 1953 and based in Potomac Falls, Virginia, it represents a global ecosystem of nearly 2,000 members, including architectural woodworkers, suppliers, design professionals, and students. Since 1961, AWI has published the Quality Standards Illustrated, now in its 8th Edition, which serves as the industry’s primary reference for fine architectural woodwork specifications, manufacturing, finishing, installation, and testing. The standards are used by design professionals and woodwork manufacturers to define quality grades and customer expectations, and in 2003 AWI and the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada adopted them as "The North American Unified Standard" for fine architectural woodwork. AWI also conducts education and leadership events, and in 2026 announced new courses, including a wood veneer program and another course titled Drafting Concepts to Production. The organization positions itself as a technical authority within the construction industry, focusing on standards development and professional education.