How is the OPM perceived in relation to other project personnel?

The OPM, or Owner's Project Manager, is typically seen as an independent role that provides oversight and management throughout the project lifecycle, separate from both the designer and the general contractor. This independence is critical for maintaining an objective viewpoint, ensuring that the project's goals align with the owner's interests without bias toward the perspectives or interests of the designer or contractor.

By being independent, the OPM can effectively facilitate communication between the various parties, monitor progress, handle disputes, and ensure adherence to project standards while focusing on the owner's objectives. This independence allows the OPM to make decisions based purely on project needs rather than outside influences from the other key personnel involved.

In contrast, other roles such as designers or general contractors may have more vested interests in their specific contributions, potentially obscuring their perspectives on broader project management issues and quality assurance. Thus, the perception of the OPM as independent highlights its critical role in successfully guiding the project without external biases influencing the outcomes.