Is the statement "The Designer acts in the joint interests of the Owner and Contractor" true?

The statement that "The Designer acts in the joint interests of the Owner and Contractor" is false. In construction projects, the Designer primarily serves the interests of the Owner, as their role is to create design solutions that meet the needs and preferences of the Owner while adhering to budget and scheduling considerations.

While collaboration between the Designer, Owner, and Contractor is important for project success, the Designer's primary obligation is to the Owner through the contractual agreement. This relationship often necessitates that the Designer balances the Owner's vision with practical realities, including those articulated by the Contractor. However, they do not navigate in joint interests; their duty is rooted in the Owner’s objectives and requirements.

The notion that a Designer might act in the joint interests of both parties could arise in specific circumstances, such as when a collaborative approach is emphasized in project delivery methods like Design-Build. Still, this does not fundamentally alter the general understanding of the Designer's role. Thus, the statement can be deemed inaccurate.