AWI History

The formation of the Architectural Woodwork Institute marked an important development in the architectural woodwork industry, as it represented a focused effort to create an organization that could address the specific needs and interests of those involved in custom millwork and architectural woodwork.
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Timeline

1914

The Millwork Cost Bureau, a trade association of custom millwork operators, is founded with the purpose of establishing cost accounting procedures and providing estimating training systems for its members.

1954

Officially incorporated in Chicago, Illinois on December 17, AWI is formed by a group of individuals who were members of the Millwork Cost Bureau. The President was Charles A. Rinehimer and the Board of Directors consisted of 18 members including Mr. Rinehimer.

1955

The Quality Certification Program (QCP) is established by AWI to provide an independent third-party quality assurance system for the woodworking industry.

1961

AWI establishes quality standards for the architectural woodwork industry, covering various aspects of woodworking, including wood types and cuts.

Late 1990s

Despite initial challenges and debates, AWI successfully launches the QCP, which begins to gain traction.

Early 2000s

The QCP experiences growth and stability, with more woodworking firms becoming licensed, and a broader range of projects being labeled and inspected.

Today

Over the years, AWI has continued to play a significant role in setting standards and promoting excellence in the architectural woodwork field. AWI's Quality Certification Program is well-established, with almost 600 QCP-licensed woodworking firms, and it inspects approximately 300 projects and labels around 1,200 projects annually. AWI continues to be a prominent professional trade association representing the architectural woodwork industry, both in the United States and globally.

Timeline

1914

The Millwork Cost Bureau, a trade association of custom millwork operators, is founded with the purpose of establishing cost accounting procedures and providing estimating training systems for its members.

1954

Officially incorporated in Chicago, Illinois on December 17, AWI is formed by a group of individuals who were members of the Millwork Cost Bureau. The President was Charles A. Rinehimer and the Board of Directors consisted of 18 members including Mr. Rinehimer.

1961

AWI establishes quality standards for the architectural woodwork industry, covering various aspects of woodworking, including wood types and cuts.

1995

The Quality Certification Program (QCP) is established by AWI to provide an independent third-party quality assurance system for the woodworking industry.

Late 1990s

Despite initial challenges and debates, AWI successfully launches the QCP, which begins to gain traction.

Early 2000s

The QCP experiences growth and stability, with more woodworking firms becoming licensed, and a broader range of projects being labeled and inspected.

Today

Over the years, AWI has continued to play a significant role in setting standards and promoting excellence in the architectural woodwork field. AWI's Quality Certification Program is well-established, with over 600 QCP-licensed woodworking firms, and through its licensing and verification services, confirms certification and labels of around 850 projects annually. AWI continues to be a prominent professional trade association representing the architectural woodwork industry in the United States and globally.

Organization Awards

Distinguishes the finest custom architectural woodwork projects in each quarter, and acknowledges the efforts of the architects, design professionals, and woodwork manufacturers responsible. Projects that receive this award are featured in the quarterly Design Solutions magazine.

Standard of Excellence

Each year, the best of the Award of Excellence winners receive the Standard of Excellence, recognizing them as leaders in superior quality.

AWI / Federated Insurance Safety Awards

To promote outstanding safety in the interior architectural woodworking industry, eligible AWI members are invited to enter themselves into three annual safety award categories:
The Best Safety Achievement Award, presented to the AWI Manufacturing Member with the lowest incident rate in each category.
The Zero Lost Time Accident Achievement Award, presented to manufacturers with no lost time accidents in a calendar year.
The Safety Improvement Certificate of Recognition, presented to all members who reduce their incident rate from the previous year.

Individual Awards

The Charles “Chic” Rinehimer

Awarded to honor a present or former AWI volunteer Officer whose long service and high achievements have had a profound influence on molding AWI into a viable association.

The Claude V. Twiellenmeier

Awarded to a current or past AWI Chapter Leader in recognition of their outstanding leadership and dedication to an AWI Chapter.

The AWI Chair’s Award

Awarded by the current chair to an individual who has given many years of volunteer service and served as a role model. The individual who receives this award has consistently shown the spirit of leadership, volunteerism, and family.

Honorary Life Member

Awarded to an individual who has contributed exemplary service to the association, its members, and AWI’s mission throughout their career, as nominated by their AWI peers.

Join the AWI Family

Ensure your firm stands at the forefront of the woodworking industry. Join a thriving community of professionals who share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and collectively advance the industry.
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