Lean Construction Workshops
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Practical learning, sustainable optimization of projects
Why lean workshops make the difference?
Construction projects often suffer from delays, amendments and communication problems. Our lean construction workshops teach tried-and-tested methods to minimize waste, streamline processes and strengthen teamwork. Whether client, planner or contractor - everyone benefits from clear processes, reliable deadlines and measurable cost certainty.
Workshop portfolio at a glance
Lean Construction & Last Planner Basics - 2-day intensive training course
Two days full of practice: on the first day, teams learn the five lean principles and experience them in the Airplane Game. Day 2 delves deeper into the Last Planner System with the Villego® simulation - pull planning, PPC and make-ready become tangible in a playful way.
- For whom? Mixed project teams from client, planning and execution who want to build a common lean basis.
- Format / Duration: Presence or hybrid, 2 days incl. simulations and transfer workshops.
- Benefit: Participants understand lean basics, can create pull plans and measurably increase plan fulfillment in the project.
Villego® Last Planner Simulation - LPS at your fingertips
In just half a day to a whole day, the team builds a LEGO® project twice: first traditionally, then lean. The difference in adherence to deadlines and quality is immediately visible - ideal as a kick-off or refresher.
- For whom? Project participants from all trades who want to quickly understand and experience the Last Planner system.
- Format / Duration: Presence, 0.5 - 1 day.
- Benefit: Playful "aha" experience, shared understanding of pull planning and binding commitments.
VDI 2553 Lean Expert training - 3 modules & certificate
The hybrid training series combines two digital blocks with a two-day classroom module. The course concludes with the official „Lean Construction Expert VDI 2553“ examination.
- For whom? Specialists and managers who have a comprehensive command of Lean and require a recognized certificate.
- Format / Duration: 3 modules (online + attendance), including exam preparation and certificate exam.
- Benefit: Official proof of your lean competence, competitive advantage in tenders.
Task & team management workshop - working efficiently in a construction project
A one-day boot camp for self- and team organization: from Eisenhower matrix and Kanban boards to daily huddles - all tailored to everyday construction and planning.
- For whom? Construction and planning teams who want to set priorities more clearly and streamline meetings.
- Format / Duration: Presence or online, 1 day with practical exercises.
- Benefit: More focus, less e-mail ping-pong, clear responsibilities and comprehensible workflows.
Inhouse Lean Sprint - your individual improvement program
We come directly to your company or construction site and solve a specific lean challenge - from process mapping to the implementation of measurable improvements.
- For whom? Companies or project teams that want a customized lean program on site.
- Format / Duration: On site, time frame flexible (1 day to several weeks).
- Benefit: Individual lean roadmap, immediately measurable effects (e.g. higher PPC, shorter throughput times).
Lean Construction & Last Planner Basics (2 days)
Day 1 - Lean introduction & Airplane Game
5 lean principles, 8 types of waste & the Airplane GameTeams experience batch sizes, flow and pull live. The value stream and cycle are then analyzed and initial optimization approaches are developed for your own project.
Day 2 - Last Planner System & Villego® Simulation
Pull planning, PPC key figures and the make-ready process form the foundation. In the Villego® Simulation participants apply the LPS in a LEGO® project. Finally, the Weekly Work Plan & Root Cause Analysis are transferred to everyday project work.
Benefit: Experience shows that plan fulfillment increases by > 20 % in the first 4 weeks after the workshop.
Villego® Last Planner Simulation - learning to collaborate through play
What is Villego?
A market-leading planning game that brings Last Planner principles to life in just 2 - 4 hours. Teams build a LEGO® project twice: first traditionally, then lean. The difference - less chaos, more flow - can be measured and felt immediately.
Who benefits from it?
Construction and project managers, foremen, planning offices, clients. Ideal as a kick-off for new projects or as a lean refresher for experienced teams.
Procedure
- Round 1 - build traditionally → chaos & delay
- Analysis & Mini-Input Lean / LPS
- Round 2 - Pull plan & commitment → measurable improvement
- Evaluation: Target & team culture, next steps into the real project
Lean Construction Expert according to VDI 2553 - Certified training
Our hybrid training (online & face-to-face) prepares you in 3 modules for the Lean Construction Expert VDI 2553 exam:
- Module 1 (digital) - Lean basics, value stream, cycle planning
- Module 2 (digital) - Last Planner, Change Management, BIM & Lean
- Module 3 (attendance, 2 days) - Simulations, moderation training, exam preparation
Result: Official VDI certificate, proof of your lean competence and a competitive advantage in tenders.
Task & Team Management Workshop
A 1-day boot camp for efficient self- and team organization:
- Eisenhower matrix, Kanban boards, OKR prioritization
- Digital tools (Trello®, MS Planner, MeisterTask®) in the construction context
- Daily Huddle & Retro - agile routines for construction and planning teams
Outcome: More focus, less e-mail ping-pong, clear responsibilities.
In-house workshops & lean sprint
Anchoring lean directly in the project: Our trainers come to you and design customized sessions - from a one-day impulse to a four-week lean sprint with measurable KPI improvements (PPC, repeat order rate, cycle time, etc.).
Our trainers - your coaches
at eye level
Dr.-Ing. René Huppertz
Expert for Lean Construction & IPA
Dr.-Ing. René Huppertz is Managing Director at PLACE Strategy. Previously, he was Head of IPA and Lean at Schiffers Bauconsult and managed numerous projects in the construction and real estate industry as a lean consultant. With his Doctorate at the RWTH Aachen he combines sound scientific expertise with practical experience in the implementation of lean construction processes. As a lecturer and trainer, he imparts practical knowledge on lean construction, integrated project execution (IPA) and the Last Planner System. Dr. Huppertz is also a speaker at the German Lean Construction Institute (GLCI) and regularly publishes on current developments in lean management and digital construction.
Kevin King
Managing Director PLACE Strategy GmbH
Kevin König has joined the Construction industry and studied real estate management at the University of Stuttgart. Since then, PLACE has successfully managed over 200 construction projects. Lean systems introduced - from complex building construction projects to infrastructure and plant construction projects. As Managing Director of PLACE Strategy GmbH, he primarily drives knowledge transfer within the company and is constantly developing the content of consulting and workshops.
Sharuga Vigenswaran
Lean Manager PLACE Strategy GmbH
Sharuga is characterized by her many years of experience and her deep understanding of modern technologies and the lean philosophy as such. She has already set up and supervised a large number of analog and digital lean projects. As an instructor at the GLCI for the Lean Basics, the Last Planner System and the expert training there, she has already gained extensive training experience.
Frequently asked questions about our lean workshops (FAQ)
How many participants can take part in a workshop?
We recommend 8 - 15 people for optimum interaction. This allows everyone to actively participate, ask questions and solve practical tasks.
Do you also offer purely online formats?
Yes, all workshops are available as online intensive courses. However, practical simulations such as Villego® can be carried out even more effectively on site.
Are there any funding opportunities for the training courses?
Many federal states promote further education (e.g. education vouchers, ESF programs). We will be happy to check together which grants you can receive.
Can I combine several workshops?
- Frequently booked: 2-day basic workshop + in-depth LPS simulation.
- Individual modules of the VDI 2553 training course can also be docked on.
- In the in-house sprint, we combine training & coaching as required.
What preparation do the participants need?
No special prior knowledge required. You will receive a short onboarding questionnaire in advance so that we can tailor the workshop precisely to your project context.
In which language can the workshops be held?
In German as standard. We also offer all formats in English on request - ideal for international project teams.
How do we measure the learning success and benefits of the project?
- Plan fulfillment (PPC) before / after workshop
- Supplement rate & waiting times
- Participant feedback & degree of implementation of the measures
Are there certificates of attendance or CPD points?
Yes, every participant receives a certificate of attendance. We can issue CPD certificates for chambers of engineers or architects on request.
How is the price calculated and what is included in the package?
- Open dates: Fixed price per person including documents & catering.
- In-house: Daily or package price depending on duration, number of participants, travel expenses.
- Materials (Post-its®, moderation case, LEGO®) are always included.
What equipment does an in-house workshop need?
A room with tables, whiteboard/pinboard and projector or screen is sufficient. We bring everything else - moderation material, LEGO® sets, simulation game documents - with us.
Still have questions or want to make an appointment?
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation - we will find the right workshop format for your team.
Request your lean workshop now
Would you like to experience lean methods live and implement them immediately in your projects?
Book a non-binding initial consultation with our trainers - we will take a look at your challenges and recommend the workshop format that best suits you.