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AWMAC Atlantic chapter serves regional
markets, while developing national initiatives
Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature
The Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Associ-
ation of Canada (AWMAC) Atlantic chapter serves
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and
Newfoundland, bridging provincial geographic gaps to
ensure the association’s high standards and resources
are available to members and to the industry as a
whole. Atlantic chapter president Drew Parks says each
chapter is unique and the Atlantic group has been very
active, both locally and at a national level. “There are
several initiatives coming out of our chapter that re-
sulted in a new national approach.”
For example, Parks recalls a push to allow associate
members, including suppliers, a greater say in
AWMAC. The chapter also encouraged the association
to hire a national manager to ease some of the pres-
sure on volunteers being stretched to capacity.
Parks says the logistical challenges in representing
four distinct provinces are addressed through rotating
meetings. “There are basic membership values we need to
get people to recognize,” he said. “One of course is
that AWMAC allows us to address issues we never
could independently. There is inherent strength in num-
bers.” Other benefits include otherwise-unavailable collab-
oration and co-operation roundtables and the opportu-
nity to tie in nationally to see how people across the
country are dealing with issues.
“Working with wood you are creating something,”
Parks said. “Whether they come to it through education
or experience, this craftsmanship is something our
members are passionate about. Sharing that creativity
and passion through sharing helps better everyone.”
36 – Fall 2013 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report
Parks says he works to foster creativity in his own
workplace whenever he can. He encourages his front-
line employees to see their finished product in its final
environment so they can fully appreciate what they
have accomplished.
“Industry has changed the focus from the bench to
the office in many ways through 3D modelling and
drawings but there is still a custom element and this is
where the bulk of craftsmanship remains,” he said.
While young people coming into the business are
often more adept with technology, experienced crafts-
men still provide expertise and experience to guide the
new woodworkers.
This remains one of the AWMAC’s goals – setting
and helping to meet high quality and skills standards.
“Advances in technology have opened up design op-
portunities and created advances in things that couldn’t
have been achieved before,” he said. “AWMAC has
quantified levels of quality and provides continued ev-
idence quality millwork can exist and is worth achiev-
ing.” AWMAC Atlantic also offers the Guaranteed Inspec-
tion Service (GIS), which ensures millwork adheres to
the association’s quality standards. These inspections
are conducted by an independent certified inspector
contracted by the association. “By using the GIS
process the architect and project authorities receive
the peace of mind that industry experts are keeping an
eye on their millwork design and quality intent,” says
Parks. AWMAC and AWMAC Atlantic also strive to
strengthen industry networks by hosting the AWMAC
Awards. This bi-yearly event celebrates excellence in
millwork design and production. Architects, designers,
suppliers and manufacturers convene for an evening
of fun and recognition of industry achievements.
For more information, visit http://atl.awmac.com.