POTOMAC FALLS, Va. – The public comment period for three new proposed American National Standards: AWI 0642 – Wood Paneling; AWI 1235 – Specialty Casework; AWI 0622.0646 – Millwork & Wood Trim; and one revised draft standard, AWI 0620 – Finish Carpentry/Installation, will be open for feedback through Jan. 1, 2024.

The Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) opened the 45-day public comment period on Nov. 17. During the public comment period, anyone has the opportunity to review the draft standard, share their concerns or comments and provide their solution to AWI for review by AWI Standards staff and the AWI Technical Committee. Commentary must be submitted through the Public Comment Form in accordance with AWI’s record-keeping policies, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The AWI said commentary on the standard submitted outside of this format will not be considered by the AWI Technical Committee.

Information and the public comment forms are available here:

• AWI 0642 – Wood Paneling
• AWI 1235 – Specialty Casework
• AWI 0622.0646 – Millwork & Wood Trim
• AWI 0620 – Finish Carpentry/Installation

The forms are solely for providing feedback and/or commentary on the proposed standards; comments regarding grammar, formatting, or style, which don't impact the usage of the standard, should be emailed to [email protected] or to [email protected].

The association said the AWI Standards Staff and the AWI Technical Committee will review any concerns and comments and provide detailed written responses accepting or rejecting proposed solutions with an explanation. A letter of disposition will be sent to attempt to resolve all concerns.

AWI 0620 was initially published in 2018 and is being submitted for review and revision according to requirements of the American National Standards Institute for all ANSI-approved five-year old standards.  As an ANSI-accredited Standards Developer Organization, AWI said it is reevaluating this standard with input from the public in order to ensure it is compliant with current best practices and technological innovations.

For AWI 0620, a pre-interest survey also will be open for 14 days (Nov. 17 – Dec. 1, 2023) for participants to register for a consensus body.  They can contact [email protected] or [email protected] with questions or for information.

Through AWI’s ANSI-approved Policies and Procedures, the association said its AWI Technical Committee is continuing to develop the multi-section suite of standards that harmonize with other relevant ANSI industry standards. By doing so, differing interpretations and conflicts surrounding the standards are minimized, AWI said.

Founded in 1953, AWI represents nearly 2,000 members consisting of architectural woodworkers, suppliers, design professionals and students from around the world.

ANSI is a private non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system and is committed to strengthening its impact, both domestically and internationally. Founded in 1918, ANSI represents the diverse interests of more than 270,000 companies and organizations, and 30 million professionals.