About
About NAAWS
The North American Architectural Woodwork Standards (NAAWS) 5.0 was collaboratively developed by — the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC) and the Woodwork Institute — on September 1st, 2026, and became effective on September 1st, of the same year. NAAWS 5.0 is the most comprehensive, singular resource for the architectural woodwork community.
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.
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 in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the development and advancement of architectural woodwork standards across North America.
For more than two decades, Rob played a defining role in shaping the standards that guide our industry today. His work as Print and Technical Editor for NAAWS 3.0 (2016), 3.1 (2017), and 4.0 (2021) followed his earlier editorial leadership on Architectural Woodwork Standards (AWS 1 – 2009 and AWS 2 – 2014). Through these efforts, he helped establish a unified, technically rigorous foundation for quality, performance, and best practice in architectural woodwork.
As Mike Hansen reflected:
“It is invaluable what Rob did for the industry. Those close to him are the only ones that really know what it took to accomplish the most comprehensive standards in the industry.”
As Chief Executive Officer of the Woodwork Institute for over 20 years, Rob championed the evolution of quality assurance programs, strengthened association governance, and advanced industry collaboration. His earlier work editing the Manual of Millwork laid critical groundwork for what would ultimately become NAAWS.
Although he retired as CEO in 2018, Rob continued to serve as NAAWS Editor until May 2023, ensuring continuity, integrity, and technical excellence during a pivotal period of transition.
Both AWMAC and the Woodwork Institute recognize with deep appreciation Rob’s intelligence, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to raising the standard of our profession. His legacy is embedded in the pages of NAAWS and reflected in the work of the countless professionals and firms who rely on it.
With gratitude and respect, we dedicate this edition to him.
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.