The Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) is a nonprofit trade association founded in 1953. Today, AWI represents nearly 4000 members consisting of architectural woodworkers, suppliers, design professionals and students from around the world.

Since 1961, AWI has continuously published the globally acclaimed Quality Standards Illustrated book, now in its 8th Edition. The 8th Edition is our industry's premier authority on fine architectural woodwork specifications, manufacturing, finishing, installation and testing.

AWI's Quality Standards Illustrated is technical specification referenced by design professionals and woodwork manufacturers to define and describe the criteria for fine architectural quality grades and customer expectations. In 2003, the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC) and AWI jointly adopted the Quality Standards Illustrated, 8th Edition as The North American Unified Standard" for fine architectural woodwork."