Certified Facility Manager (CFM) Practice Exam

Which of the following roles is typically involved in the design/build contract?

1. Project supervisor only

2. Separate designers

3. Contractor acting as both designer and builder

4. Independent consultants only

The correct answer is: Contractor acting as both designer and builder

The correct answer highlights the distinctive nature of design/build contracts, wherein one entity is responsible for both the design and construction phases of a project. This streamlined approach benefits projects by fostering better communication and collaboration between the design and construction teams, ultimately leading to more efficient project delivery. By relying on a single contractor who takes on the responsibility for both aspects, owners can experience quicker decision-making and potentially lower costs, as the contractor can integrate design and construction processes seamlessly. This contrasts with traditional project delivery methods, which often involve separate entities for the design and construction roles, potentially leading to conflicts and coordination challenges. The other options reflect approaches that do not align with the design/build model. For instance, having only project supervisors or independent consultants involved does not meet the requirement of combining both design and construction. Additionally, relying on separate designers would create unnecessary divisions in accountability and communication, which is counterproductive to the goals of a design/build contract.