Types of Architectural Projects Where QCP is a Huge Benefit

The Architectural Woodwork Institute’s Quality Certification Program (AWI-QCP) is the industry standard for quality and risk assurance in interior architectural woodworking. It’s specified in projects across North America to ensure precision, compliance, and high-caliber woodwork through adherence to the AWI Standards.

While QCP is a valuable and affordable asset in projects of all sizes, requiring it is still a choice. However, there are certain types of architectural projects in which the benefits of QCP are almost indispensable.

How does QCP work?

When it comes to QCP, there are two terms in particular that you need to be aware of: QCP licensing and QCP certification.

A woodworking firm can earn a QCP license in various aspects of woodwork manufacturing, finishing, and installation as covered by the AWI Standards. There are 35 licenses to choose from, and each one is proof that the knowledge, skills, and work ethic of the accredited firm are among the best in the industry.

If an architect wants their project to be certified by QCP, they can require QCP certification in their project specs. In this case, only a woodworking firm that holds a relevant QCP license will be eligible to work on it. The project will also receive regular inspections form a trained QCP representative to check for non-conformities and confirm that the woodwork satisfies project contract documents.

This combination of an exceptionally talented woodworking firm and documented inspections ensures the quality, integrity, and compliance of interior architectural woodwork. It inspires total confidence in clients, ensures specifications are met, and protects all stakeholders against disputes.

Projects that benefit most from QCP certification

QCP certification is particularly beneficial for any buildings that receive a high volume of foot traffic or are frequented by influential figures. That’s because clients absolutely can’t risk causing injury or restricting access due to poor-quality workmanship. These projects are most commonly for government, education, medical, institution, or performing arts buildings.

Below, you’ll find some specific examples of architectural projects where QCP is a huge benefit, and why.

Medical facilities

Hospitals, surgery centers, treatment centers, and other medical facilities are stressful, high-paced environments that are full of people. Not only could architectural flaws lead to further injury, but they could also restrict medical professionals’ ability to provide lifesaving treatments. As such, QCP is vital for ensuring that architectural woodwork won’t fail in spite of intense use.

Courtrooms and municipalities

As courtrooms and municipal buildings are areas in which important legal or civic activities are conducted, they usually feature high-end veneers and finishes. Certifying these types of projects with QCP gives clients confidence that the contracted woodworking firm has the knowledge and skill to deliver exceptional quality.

Schools, colleges, and training centers

Thousands of people, including many children, pass through educational facilities every day. The potential for mistreatment of architectural components could pose a dangerous threat. By delivering QCP-certified woodwork, architects can help to ensure the safety of all those who attend.

Museums

To complement their highly valuable, culturally significant, and completely irreplaceable exhibits, documents for museum projects typically specify high-end installation of fine veneers. Specifying QCP ensures the most elegant and striking woodwork possible to elevate the atmosphere of prestige.

Performance centers and theaters

The joy of live performance is often enhanced by the environment in which it takes place. As such, performance centers and theaters often feature very high-end veneer work on the walls and ceilings. By including QCP in the project documents for these facilities, project owners can offer a complete and enrapturing experience to their guests.

How much does QCP cost?

Considering that QCP is often specified for prestigious and high-value projects, you might think that it’s incredibly expensive, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

QCP project certification costs just 0.5% of your woodwork subcontract value (or $500, whichever is greater). There’s also a maximum cap of $10,000 to prevent certification costs from becoming overwhelming on large-scale projects.

QCP licensing for woodworking firms is also very affordable at $3,500 for application and $2,650 for annual license renewal. However, if you’re also an AWI Manufacturing Member, these prices drop to only $2,000 for application and $1,250 for renewal. Since a Manufacturing Membership can cost as little as $990, you can save money overall by applying for both. You can also pursue licensing while performing a project.

Register your project online in less than five minutes

Certifying your government, education, institution, or performing arts building with QCP ensures quality and compliance in your architectural woodwork. The first step towards certification is registering your project online.

You can complete your registration in less time than it takes to brew a cup of coffee. All you need to do is complete these five steps:

Step 1: Contact information – Tell us who you are and how we can contact you
Step 2: Project registration – Give us the details of your project, such as its location, the standards you’ve specified, and the estimated completion date
Steps 3, 4, and 5: Design firm/general contractor/woodworker information – In these three steps, let us know the contact information for your contractors

Once you’ve submitted your registration form, you’ll receive an email with your QCP project number within 24 hours. Then, add this number to your specs to show that your project requires QCP certification.