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When discussing interior architectural woodwork, it’s easy to get lost or confused amid the wealth of specialist industry terminology. For example, both staircases and cabinets are considered architectural woodwork. But only the latter is classified as architectural wood casework. In this article, we’ll be exploring what architectural wood casework is, how it’s classified, and how it relate (more...)

As part of our commitment to driving excellence in interior architectural woodwork, the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) creates and publishes industry standards for quality and risk assurance. This began in 1961 with the first version of the Architectural Woodwork Quality Standards Illustrated (QSI). Over time, we continued to refine those standards to better serve woodworkers and their cl (more...)

As an AWI Member, you have access to the standards, educational materials, and networking opportunities that give you a competitive advantage over other firms. With different options for Manufacturers, Suppliers, Industry Members, and Associates, your Membership always offers outstanding value tailored to your role in the industry. There are so many benefits of AWI Membership that listing them wo (more...)

Certifying your interior architectural woodworking project with QCP streamlines the build, ensures a high degree of compliance, and protects you with unbeatable risk assurance. But even though you understand the benefits of QCP, they might not be so clear to your project team. So when they reject QCP or target it for removal to cut costs, it’s important that you’re prepared to win them over. (more...)

As well as raising the final quality of wood casework and millwork, QCP is designed to streamline the architect’s design process. Rather than hyper specify in their architecture drawings, they can highlight certain AWI Standards that the woodworker should follow. This saves a great deal of time and the use of a common universal language makes their designs much easier to interpret. But just bec (more...)

While fixing non-conformities in architectural woodwork during fabrication or installation adds time and money to a project, it’s possible to bring the products up to the expected standard. But warping and excessive dimension change caused by poor storage and care of materials can ruin products no matter how skillfully they’re assembled. That means meeting the proper architectural standard of (more...)

Some architects prefer to keep specification writing in-house. But when you have a pressing workload or need an outside perspective on a complex project, you might choose to hire an independent spec writer. This can be an excellent way to add additional value to your project, and go above and beyond your client’s expectations. While an architect needs to fulfill many roles, the niche expertise (more...)

For an interior architectural woodworking project to be certified by AWI-QCP, certain steps need to be taken during the specification phase. Architects who have completed this process even once or twice find it smooth and intuitive. But we see a few common errors crop up for architects who are new to including QCP in their project specifications. While most mistakes won’t have a significant imp (more...)

Your success in the construction industry is defined by your reputation. When you become known for accurately estimating projects and delivering outstanding results on time, you’re much more likely to receive repeat business from satisfied clients. To ensure the highest quality of craftsmanship and materials in interior architectural woodworking, many architects certify their projects through t (more...)