Owners should involve which level of leadership that is committed to the success of the DB process, fostering a healthy and trusting relationship?

• A. Mid-level
• B. Front-line
• C. Senior
• D. External consultant

Answer: (C)

Senior leadership acts as the owner sponsor, providing the authority, resources, and broad alignment needed for the Design-Build process to succeed. When those at the top commit to the project, it signals that the DB approach is a priority, sets clear expectations, and enables rapid decisions and issue resolution. This level of involvement also helps establish a culture of trust and transparency with the design-build team, because goals are shared, accountability is clear, and risk and reward are aligned. Mid-level or front-line leaders may execute tasks, but they don’t mobilize the organization or secure the cross-functional support that the DB process requires. External consultants can advise, but they don’t own the organizational commitment.