Design Professional Experience

Presented by the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI)

Every exceptional architectural woodwork project begins with an idea—but bringing that idea to life requires much more than great design. Successful projects are built on clear communication, informed material selection, innovative manufacturing, and carefully integrated finishing details.

Join AWI for an immersive educational experience designed exclusively for architects, interior designers, specification writers, and design professionals. Throughout the day, you’ll follow the complete journey of an architectural woodwork project—from writing the specification to selecting materials, witnessing advanced manufacturing technologies, and exploring the finishing touches that define exceptional craftsmanship.

Whether you’re new to specifying architectural woodwork or a seasoned professional, this experience will strengthen your understanding of how design decisions influence fabrication, installation, and long-term project success.

Leave with practical knowledge, stronger industry connections, and greater confidence in creating specifications and designs that translate into outstanding finished projects.

The Journey

Step 1: Define the Vision

Architectural Woodwork Specifications

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Every successful project begins with a clear vision communicated through well-written specifications.

Discover how the AWI Standards provide the foundation for quality architectural woodwork while learning best practices for writing specifications that communicate design intent, reduce ambiguity, and help prevent costly project challenges. Gain practical insights into common specification mistakes, effective coordination with manufacturers, and techniques that lead to successful project outcomes.

You’ll Learn:

How to effectively utilize the AWI Standards.
Writing specifications that reduce confusion and risk.
Coordinating expectations between design and manufacturing.
Common specification pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Step 2: Select the Materials

Understanding Veneer: Beauty, Character & Performance

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Every piece of wood tells a story.

Explore the remarkable world of wood veneer and discover how species selection, cutting methods, matching techniques, and natural variation influence the finished appearance of architectural woodwork. Learn how to specify veneer confidently while understanding what is naturally achievable through craftsmanship and manufacturing.

You’ll Learn:

Veneer manufacturing from log to finished panel.
Species, cuts, figure, and natural characteristics.
Matching techniques including book, slip, random, and sequence matching.
Design considerations that balance beauty, performance, and constructability.

Step 3: Watch Design Become Reality

Guided IWF Manufacturing Technology Tour

1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Now it’s time to see your specifications come to life.

Join AWI on an exclusive guided tour of the International Woodworking Fair featuring five curated technology stops. Experience the machinery, automation, robotics, CNC equipment, finishing systems, and innovative manufacturing solutions transforming today’s architectural woodworking industry.

This isn’t simply a walk through the show floor—it’s an opportunity to understand how modern technology, skilled craftsmanship, and precision manufacturing combine to deliver the projects you specify every day.

You’ll Experience:

Live demonstrations of advanced manufacturing technology.
Conversations with industry experts and equipment manufacturers.
Innovative processes improving quality, efficiency, and precision.
A behind-the-scenes look at today’s most advanced woodworking facilities.

Step 4: Deliver the Finished Experience

Lighting, Hardware & Product Demonstrations

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

The details define the experience.

Discover how today’s lighting systems, architectural hardware, concealed components, and integrated technologies elevate architectural woodwork from functional to exceptional. Through live demonstrations and product showcases, you’ll explore innovations that improve aesthetics, accessibility, durability, and user experience while gaining practical knowledge to better inform future specifications.

You’ll Learn:

Emerging trends in architectural hardware and integrated lighting.
Hardware considerations that impact fabrication and installation.
Products that improve functionality without compromising design.
Solutions you can immediately apply to future projects.

Leave Inspired

By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced the complete lifecycle of an architectural woodwork project—from concept and specification to materials, manufacturing, and final installation.

More importantly, you’ll return to your practice with a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship, technology, and collaboration required to transform great design into exceptional architectural woodwork.

REGISTER NOW*

*Adding this session to your My IWF Show Planner does not register you for the session. To attend, you must register separately by clicking the Register Now link in the session description above, through the registration site, or by visiting a registration desk onsite.