About NAAWS
The North American Architectural Woodwork Standards (NAAWS) 5.0 was released by joint sponsors — the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC) and the Woodwork Institute — on DATE TBD, 2026, and became effective on DATE TBD, of the same year.
NAAWS was brought to completion thanks to industry feedback and the tireless efforts of the NAAWS Committee. All industry suggestions were considered to ensure that NAAWS 5.0 would reflect the best practices for the international woodwork industry. It was geared to many different users such as designers, manufacturers, installers and students, to be a design resource and supply guidelines and instruction.
NAAWS 5.0 is the most comprehensive, singular resource for the architectural woodwork community.
NAAWS 5.0 Dedication
The NAAWS 5.0 edition is dedicated to Stanley “Rob” Gustafson
The 2026 Edition of the North American Architectural Woodwork Standards (NAAWS) 5.0 is dedicated to Stanley “Rob” Gustafson.
“It is invaluable what Rob did for the industry. Those close to him are the only ones who truly understand what it took to accomplish the most comprehensive standards in the industry.” Both AWMAC and the Woodwork Institute owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Rob. His passion, dedication, intelligence, persistence, and tenacity are reflected not only in NAAWS but throughout the architectural woodwork industry as a whole. We cannot thank him enough for over 20 years of excellence and tireless service.
Rob served as the Print and Technical Editor for the first three editions of NAAWS—3.0 (2016), 3.1 (2017), and 4.0 (2021)—after previously serving as editor for the Architectural Woodwork Standards, AWS 1 (2009) and AWS 2 (2014). Throughout his distinguished career, Rob provided decades of leadership and steadfast contributions to the standards that shape our industry today. As CEO of the Woodwork Institute for over 20 years, he championed the expansion of quality assurance programs, promoted best practices within the association, and served as editor of the Manual of Millwork—laying the foundation for what would eventually evolve into NAAWS.
Though Rob retired as CEO in 2016, his dedication to the industry never waned. He continued to serve as NAAWS Editor until May 2023. His legacy lives on in the standards he helped build and in the countless professionals he mentored and inspired.
Thank you, Rob, for your unwavering commitment, your leadership, and your lasting impact on our industry.
Who We Are
The NAAWS Committee
The NAAWS Committee is a joint, cross-border team representing the Woodwork Institute and AWMAC (Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada). Together, this group brings well over a century of combined experience in architectural woodwork. This depth of expertise ensures that NAAWS reflects real-world practices across both countries while remaining forward-looking and technically sound. A dedicated Technical Editor supports the committee by transforming expert input into clear, consistent, and accessible standards.
How NAAWS Stands Apart
Clarity, Collaboration, and Technical Precision You Can Rely On
The architectural woodwork industry relies on standards that are accurate, current, and crafted with real-world insight. While various standards exist across North America, NAAWS offers a distinctly different approach—one built on cross-border collaboration, transparent governance, and unmatched technical depth. Because NAAWS is co-developed by AWMAC and the Woodwork Institute, it benefits from a broader pool of expertise, field data, and regional practices than any single-organization standard. This joint stewardship ensures that NAAWS evolves through a structured, accountable, and balanced process—not unilateral interpretation or selective updates.