Who has the authority to approve submittals?

• A. The Architect/Engineer.
• B. The Contractor.
• C. The Owner.
• D. The Building Official.

Answer: (A)

Submittals are the contractor’s proposed details, samples, and data shown to demonstrate how the work will meet the contract documents. The person who has the authority to approve these submittals is the Architect or Engineer because they hold responsibility for the design and for ensuring that everything submitted aligns with the contract drawings, specifications, and the project’s design intent. Their review determines whether the materials and methods proposed by the contractor will satisfy the approved plan.

The Building Official handles code compliance and permitting, not the technical approval of every submittal. The owner or contractor can be involved in approvals for specific changes or owner-supplied items, but the standard process assigns submittal approval to the design professional of record.