Which professionals contract directly under the Owner?

• A. Landscape Architect/Engineer
• B. Cost Estimator
• C. MEP, Lighting Consultant
• D. Zoning, Traffic, Site, Geotechnical (underground), Surveyor, Civil Engineer (permitting and documenting existing site)

Answer: (D)

In this topic, the owner directly contracts professionals who provide foundational site data and regulatory clearance essential to starting the project. Zoning, traffic, site considerations, geotechnical work, surveying, and civil engineering focused on permitting and documenting the existing site are services that must be independently verified and aligned with local regulations before design can proceed. By hiring these specialists directly, the owner ensures accountability for the data and permits required by authorities, and establishes clear responsibility for any site constraints or compliance issues.

Other consultants, such as landscape architects or engineers, MEP/lighting specialists, and cost estimators, are typically engaged by the design team (architect or engineer of record) to develop the project design and cost estimates. They’re part of the design process rather than the regulatory groundwork, which is why they are not usually contracted directly by the owner in the same way.