Jeremy Jones, LCI-CPD Drives Award-Winning Project Delivery
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Jeremy Jones, LCI-CPD, Principal at AEI Affiliated Engineers, and a key leader behind the 2025 LCI Lean in Design Award–winning Cone Health Medical Center project in Asheboro, North Carolina.
Jeremy’s milestone as the first LCI-CPD certificant, paired with the award-winning results of the Cone Health project, shows the real impact of LCI certification: more effective Lean application, stronger teams, and measurable improvements in project performance and professional growth.
What Made Jeremy Decide to Pursue Lean Certification?
Jeremy shared that his decision to pursue the LCI-CPD credential was rooted in a deep commitment to the principles of Lean design.
“I decided to go after Lean certification because I’m very passionate about Lean design and about Integrated Project Delivery. I wanted to learn more about that and I wanted to help share that message with as many people as I could.”
For Jeremy, certification provided a way to formalize that passion, deepen his expertise, and strengthen his ability to advocate for Lean methodology across project teams.
Spearheading Award-Winning Lean Design
The Cone Health Medical Center project presented the kind of complexities that require confident, capable Lean leadership. Jeremy’s LCI-CPD certification played a pivotal role in guiding the team through those challenges.
The two major constraints of the project:
- A tight budget combined with a compressed schedule
- Significant program changes, including the addition of an ambulatory clinic after construction documents were complete
These conditions demanded clarity, collaboration, and highly disciplined Lean decision-making.
Lean Methods Turned Obstacles Into Advantages
Jeremy described how Lean principles supported the success of the project team, including representatives from Cone Health, Perkins & Will, AEI, Robins & Morton, and others. The team relied on several key Lean practices to navigate shifting constraints and maintain alignment throughout the project, including:
Collaborative Problem-Solving
Lean practices enabled the team to work through major scope shifts without losing momentum or alignment. Strong communication allowed each partner to contribute their expertise quickly and effectively.
Strategic Procurement
The team proactively secured long-lead MEP equipment early, reducing risk and protecting the schedule. This was an essential decision, given the shifting program requirements.
Value-Driven Decision-Making With CBA
Using Choosing by Advantages (CBA), the team aligned project goals with cost, performance, and user-centered design considerations to ensure each decision created maximum value.
“It’s a special project. It proves that you don’t have to have a mega project to justify IPD or a team that’s completed many projects together. We had a lot of rookie players and it was a wonderful project. The results speak for themselves.”
The result was a project that not only met the owner’s expectations, but achieved award-winning excellence through disciplined Lean application.
Is Your Career-Changing Project Just Around the Corner?
Jeremy’s experience highlights the connection between Lean certification and real-world impact. His LCI-CPD credential signaled both mastery of Lean tools and the leadership capability needed to guide a complex project to success.
His advice for anyone considering the certification path:
“I would just encourage as many people as possible to get involved with LCI. Attend your local Community of Practice events, go after LCI certification, and get involved in Lean and IPD projects.”
For Jeremy, LCI certification isn’t just a credential; it’s a practical tool that strengthens project outcomes, supports better team alignment, and opens new opportunities for leadership growth.
“Pursuing certification can greatly advance your projects and career!”
Strengthen Your Lean Expertise With LCI Certification
LCI Certification is the nation’s only capabilities-based Lean credential for construction and design, demonstrating both your Lean knowledge and proven ability to apply Lean Project Delivery practices to real-world projects. Explore LCI certification and take your next step!