Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature The Architectural Woodwork Manufactur- ers Association of Canada (AWMAC)’s mis- sion is to develop and promote the use of quality standards for the manufacturing and installation of architectural woodwork. The association also promotes adherence to qual- ity standards, while promoting sustainable practices. President Scott McVittie said AWMAC has made great strides over the years developing its core values and initiatives. “The Architec- tural Woodwork Standards (AWS) manual has been developed jointly with our sister associ- ations in the USA, the Architectural Wood- work Institute (AWI) and Woodwork Institute (WI). A new standards manual will soon be re- leased thanks to a very dedicated and knowl- edgeable group of members from all three associations.” McVittie says the architectural design community regularly specifies according to AWS guidelines. AWMAC also oversees the Guarantee and Inspection Service (GIS). “This program, when specified, provides an independent in- spection of the shop drawings, a sample mock up unit and full inspection of the fin- ished goods on site to ensure all products are built according to the current AWS manual,” McVittie says. “Projects successfully com- pleted by AWMAC members are granted a two year guarantee to the owner and en- dorsed by AWMAC.” AWMAC also promotes trades education and sponsors an apprenticeship contest. The eight chapters each have their own method of assisting the education of students acquir- ing finishing carpentry trade skills. Some chapters provide bursaries, for example. AWMAC maintains programs to promote members’ interests and is introducing new initiatives that focus on the sustainability of human and environmental resources. “AWMAC’s continual challenge is to pro- mote the use of the Architectural Woodwork Standards (AWS) to the design authority,” McVittie says. “Once the AWMAC standards are specified, it is design authority’s inherent responsibility to ensure the standards are fol- lowed.” He adds that AWMAC members who are well versed in the manual will be able to meet the specifications and have a knowledge ad- vantage. “The GIS program is designed to provide assurance to the owner and the de- sign authority that the wood products they have purchased meet the specified standard and will be guaranteed when AWMAC mem- bers are contracted.” In recent years, AWMAC’s partners pro- gram has generated enough revenue to sup- port a national office. (Partners are associate members that have sponsored the associa- tion and receive advertising and other bene- fits.) From this program, the association has ini- tiated a strategic plan that allows AWMAC’s board to focus on the long term goals and leave the day-to-day management to a pro- fessional manager and staff. “The newest chapter to join AWMAC is the Quebec chapter,” McVittie said. “AWMAC is working towards providing the full slate of programs in the French language. This in- cludes the translation of our new standards manual.” The Quebec Chapter will host the AWMAC annual general meeting May 28-30, 2014, in Quebec City. For more information, visit awmac.com. The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Fall 2013 – 35