AWMAC’s President’s Award honours active members, staff/contractors or recognized affiliates of AWMAC.
2023 RECIPIENT – Carlo DeFrancesco
2019 RECIPIENT – Frank VanDonzel
The Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC) was pleased to honour Frank VanDonzel with the President’s Award at the 2019 AWMAC National Convention, which took place in Victoria, British Columbia, in May of 2019.
AWMAC Immediate Past President Larry White was on hand to present Frank with the award, which for the 2019 year, is in its second year.
“Frank always wore the core AWMAC values on his sleeve and still does to this day. He was presented the award for his unwavering commitment to AWMAC and its brand,” said White.
Frank, who joined the AWMAC Southern Alberta Chapter back in the early 1980s and was in the architectural woodwork business in Calgary, served as the AWMAC Secretary and then the National Association Manager. He was known for his love of the industry, as well as the promotion of the core AWMAC values. Although now retired, he still attends many AWMAC functions giving his support.
“Frank VanDonzel was the pioneer of creating structure and guidance to making AWMAC the voice for architectural woodwork in Canada,” said White. “Frank became known as, “Mr. AWMAC,” always waiving and promoting the integrity and peace of mind that could be given when specifying AWMAC projects,” White added.
2018 RECIPIENT - Jim Taylor
The first recipient of AWMAC’s new President’s Award was announced at the 2018 National Convention by President Larry White. Larry shared with the congregation that he met the recipient during his early experiences on the board and that he “came to gain great respect for this gentleman with his philosophical approach”. Larry went on to share that the recipient of the President’s Award formed AWMAC’s GIS Committee in 2001; chaired the committee in 2001 through 2003 and then again from 2014-2018 for a total of 7 years. Larry then announced the recipient - Mr. Jim Taylor.
Jim’s dedication to AWMAC throughout the years is commendable (to the least).
Jim was key to the first GIS Policy and Procedures Manual in 2002, along with the major revision in 2017. He has been the driving force in raising the level of, and in standardizing the GIS Program across Canada; because of Jim, the program has grown in leaps and bounds and has become the primary revenue stream for many of AWMAC’s Chapters and National.
Jim was also the lead behind the development of the ICQ, MSQ and the MSQ update. Jim has (and continues to) contributed greatly to the creation of both the AWS and NAAWS manuals, as well as numerous findings and determinations therein.
Infinite Possibilities was the theme of this year’s convention. Jim Taylor shows us just that – through sharing of ideas, volunteering, and sharing of best practices, AWMAC has infinite possibilities to reach our vision of becoming the architectural woodwork industry authority in Canada.
2024 RECIPIENT – To be announced June 6, 2025
This Award recognizes the pinnacle of achievement in the AWMAC Guarantee and Inspection Service (GIS) program, awarded to a finalist from a Chapter who has demonstrated exceptional performance in their GIS projects. This esteemed award highlights the overall excellence of the project as evaluated through a comprehensive grading process that considers numerous critical factors, including project performance throughout the GIS process, the number of deficiencies, overall project complexity, and levels of innovation.
Following internal competitions within each Chapter, the winning projects are submitted for evaluation at the National level. This multi-tiered judging process ensures that only the most outstanding projects representing creativity, quality, and adherence to AWMAC standards are honored.
The National GIS Project Award of Excellence not only celebrates the individual projects that have excelled in meeting the high benchmarks of the GIS Program but also showcases the collective commitment of AWMAC members across Canada to uphold quality and innovation in architectural woodwork. The recipient of this award epitomizes the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and dedication that drives the success of the GIS initiative, ultimately setting a standard for future endeavors in the industry.
2019 RECIPIENT – Executive Millwork
Project: Central Library | Calgary, Alberta
The Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC) was pleased to present its first-ever National Guarantee and Inspection Service (GIS) award to Executive Millwork, for its work on the recently completed new Central Library in Calgary, Alberta. The award was presented at the 2019 AWMAC National Convention, which took place in Victoria, British Columbia, in May of 2019. Executive Millwork, who are members of AWMAC’s Southern Alberta Chapter, collaborated with DIALOG as the architects and designers, with Stuart Olson serving as the General Contractors for the project.
2024 RECIPIENT – To be announced June 6, 2025
The AWMAC GIS Excellence in Execution Award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an AWMAC Manufacturer Member who has achieved exemplary excellence by delivering the most deficiency-free projects in a calendar year. This award celebrates the commitment to quality craftsmanship and adherence to the highest industry standards, recognizing the significant effort required to achieve such success in a competitive landscape.
The recipient of the Excellence in Execution Award demonstrates a relentless pursuit of precision in architectural woodwork manufacturing. Through precision, pride, and purpose, these manufacturers embody the very spirit of excellence that AWMAC and the GIS program strive to uphold. Their work is a testament to what’s possible when craftmanship meets commitment – raising the bar for the entire industry, one flawless project at a time.
2024 RECIPIENT – To be announced June 6, 2025
The Esther Hill GIS Award is presented to the Design Professional who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the AWMAC Guarantee and Inspection Service (GIS) Program within their Chapter. This esteemed recognition honors the firm who not only specified the highest number of GIS projects but also exemplified a deep understanding and support for the principles that underpin the program.
Esther Hill holds the distinction of being the first woman in Canada to receive a university degree in Architecture. Esther Hill was a pioneer in the architectural woodwork community, known for her relentless pursuit of quality and her unwavering dedication to advancing industry standards. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the profession, as she championed the integration of best practices into design and project execution.
The winner of this award will exemplify a passion for excellence in design and a dedication to ensuring that high standards are met and maintained within the industry. Through their efforts, the award recipient will have played a crucial role in advancing the GIS Program’s mission, fostering collaboration and quality assurance in architectural woodwork. This award serves as a remarkable testament to their leadership, creativity, and unwavering support for the continued success and integrity of our craft.
AWMAC proudly presents the Outstanding Service Award for exemplary efforts in passionately promoting the goals and visions of AWMAC.
The National Contest consists of students, apprentices and recent graduates that are enrolled or 
have recently graduated from a recognized post-secondary institutions cabinet making program.
The winning cabinet in each participating Chapter is sent to the Judging Committee for selection of a National winner. The first, second and third place winners receive a cash award, a tool credit, and an award to be presented by their Chapter.
The first contest was held in 2002, making this the 21st year of the contest. The cabinets were displayed at the 2023 AWMAC National Convention in Toronto. Congratulations to all the participants.
Thank you to all the Chapters, judges and volunteers that made this year’s contest a success. Thank you to the suppliers who donated materials for the contest.
In business, trust is everything. At AWMAC, we believe you build that trust by having a standard for all manufacturing activities. Becoming an AWMAC Member gives you that and more. AWMAC has differing membership categories, each offering a unique range of benefits to suit your requirements. Manufacturer Membership, Associate Membership and Life Membership is available in all Chapters across Canada.
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