Introducing the 2026 AWI Florida Chapter Board
If you work in architectural woodwork, you know AWI. The Architectural Woodwork Institute has been around since 1953, and it's the organization that actually writes the standards our industry builds to. Its Quality Standards Illustrated, first published in 1961 and now in its 8th edition, is the reference architects and woodworkers use to define quality grades for millwork, casework, and finished interiors. A lot of those standards are ANSI-approved, which is part of why a spec that calls for "AWI standards" carries real weight on a job.
AWI does this at the national level, but a lot of the day-to-day value happens through its regional chapters. That's where the networking, education, and events live, and it's where shops, suppliers, and design professionals in a given state actually connect. So a Florida chapter coming back online for 2026 is good news for everyone working in woodwork in the region.
Our CEO, Vincent Federici, was elected Social Media Chair, which means he'll help lead how the chapter communicates and stays connected to its members. It's a role Vince was happy to take on for an industry he's spent his career in.
Here's the full board leading the chapter this year:
President: Sebastien DesMarais, Hollywood Woodwork
Vice President: Caroline Tart, Höcker North America
Secretary: Alba Rybak, JK2 Scenic
Treasurer: Joe Sorrelli, Aljoe Woodwork Consultants
Education Chair: Richie Barrieau, The Millwork Studio
Membership Chair: Nik Athanasakos, ICMS, LLC
Social Media Chair: Vincent Federici, McKenzie Craft
Sponsorship Chair: Edmond Zaho, Zaho Global
Every one of these names runs a real shop or business across the state, so the group knows the work from the floor up. They've already started planning the year ahead: events, education opportunities, and more ways to bring Florida's woodworking community together.
Congratulations to the new board, and thanks to everyone who took part in the nominations and voting. More to come soon…
