The Future is Now: Architectural Woodwork Institute leaders discuss the future of woodworking with President of Microvellum Software, David Fairbanks
Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) leaders, Doug Hague and Jeff Brown, sit down with Microvellum Software President, David Fairbanks, to reveal the positive impact the association has on woodworkers, the opportunities presented, and how companies like Microvellum can help elevate the industry’s image moving forward.
What is AWI's primary mission?
Hague:
AWI's primary mission is to serve the woodworking industry by providing opportunities and cultivating connections.
We are a standards development organization—that is one aspect we add to the industry. We stay between standards, networking and education; and then with the recent change in our bylaws and our membership vote, we have added a compliance division. The division provides reassurance that the millwork provided on a project is exactly what was specified and what the owners will receive.
What brought you to work for the organization?
Brown:
One of the things I’ve enjoyed throughout my career is developing, so it was a natural fit moving to Education Director at AWI. Because I have the knowledge from working in the industry, I am able to connect with people who come to events like this and listen to what they're about, the things they are going through, and with their help, develop programs to address those areas. The programs can then be passed along to other chapters or companies. The development of these programs is what I feel I was most excited about in the opportunity with AWI and pulling from my history helps move that forward.
What are the criteria for the AWI Education Fund (AWIEF) scholarships?
Hague:
Our current scholarship criterion is that you have to be nominated by your instructor. That way, we know the candidates are those the instructors endorse. We appreciate the process because it allows the professors the opportunity to reward good behavior and to see those who are excelling and say, “I want to partner alongside this student to help them get to the next level.”
We know where quality programs are at, but it's the hidden ones—where there is a shop teacher helping students do phenomenal work—we just don't know about yet. It’s in those occurrences we love to say, "Hey, we're here. We want to help."
How are the funds for the scholarships raised?
Hague:
Right now, the funds are raised through donors. You can go to awinet.org and click up at the top, "Donate”, and that money will go straight to the Foundation. There are very minimal expenses pulled out and the rest of the money is given directly to the system.
What does the ideal woodworker look like? Is it something for students to aspire to?
Brown:
I think the general picture that comes to mind when thinking of an ideal woodworker is the old German handcrafter on a bench, carving and putting things together. I was talking to someone at dinner recently and told him we’re in town for the woodworking fair, and he says, "Oh, you mean like whittling?" I replied, “There's a little bit more to it.” It’s important to be able to show that whittling is not all woodworking is, even though that is the public perception of it. These days, woodworking is about technology and using it to help you understand large, complicated projects that you might not have ever understood until you had the opportunity to be exposed to it.
Hague:
The perception of woodworking is that it’s a low-paying, dirty job, using simplistic tools you can get at a big-box store. The reality, and what I love about our industry, is we're a technology industry that uses wood as our media. The career opportunities are phenomenal— just jump in and whatever avenue you wish to participate in, the wood industry has a home for you; and it is not just what you experience at those big-box stores.
“The career opportunities are phenomenal—just jump in and whatever avenue you wish to participate in, the wood industry has a home for you; and it is not just what you experience at those big-box stores.”
How is AWI helping to make woodworking more enticing?
Hague:
We want to introduce younger generations of students, those around 18 to 22 years old, or even older, non-traditional-aged students, to the world of modern woodworking. We want them to experience the powerful technology available within our industry and understand how these tools can aid in creating objects. It’s these moments I think of when making donations and giving to high schools, colleges, communities and everywhere else; giving them that jump-start to allow them to build a foundation that allows them to be successful after they graduate. I was a direct recipient of one of Microvellum’s donations to Pittsburg State University and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity.
You might ask, what is AWI doing to entice students directly? With the latest gift, we have the ability to award $50,000 a year annually for the next 20 years, just in scholarship money. We have to let students know there's this vibrant industry here, and not only are there rewarding careers on this side, but there is also money to help you get there.
“We have to let students know there's this vibrant industry here, and not only are there rewarding careers on this side, but there's also money to help you get there. “
How are AWI chapters organized?
Hague:
There is the AWI National branch, which has four core membership types: manufacturers, which is what most people think of; suppliers, which is where Microvellum falls into; the industry category, which some people use the term “broker woodwork”; and then we have our associate members, which can be for anybody publicly. The first three are joined by a corporation or company. The organization of AWI is so that we have a national level, but then we also have branches of local chapters.
My encouragement is to get involved at a local level. Joining a local chapter allows you to reconnect and re-energize with a group of people who are going through the same employment issues, manufacturing issues, or economic struggles—a group that you can relate with.
“Joining a local chapter allows you to reconnect and re-energize with a group of people who are going through the same employment issues, manufacturing issues or economic struggles— a group that you can relate with.”
Are we, industry partners, welcome to join these chapters as well?
Hague:
Yes! The National branch has its own bylaws and its own organizational structure. Local chapters can apply through National, but they are still their own element. A local chapter also has its own business, governance and structure. Local chapters enjoy the supplier interaction because that is who often helps people to stand up and be a viable entity. Members can be insurance agents talking about option availability, suppliers telling us about innovation, what is new, what we should be on the outlook for, or even information on material shortage.
How can companies like Microvellum help change the perception of the industry?
Hague:
Keep doing what you're doing. You have innovative software. That alone helps draw in the youth because they see gamification. I have young kids and it’s a lure to them because they want to see creations on the computer and to be able to actually hold it in their hands and say, “I did this.” Microvellum’s software can draw people in, allow them to explore themselves within the software and then see the output on the other side.
The other thing you're doing to help change the perception of woodworking is having us sit right here. You’re willing to talk about it. You're willing to have a presence on social media. I serve with you on the Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) committee and you're willing to be involved. That’s really what it takes. You have to participate. I've never seen anyone win by standing on the sidelines.
“You have to participate. I've never seen anyone win by standing on the sidelines.”
