Dr Akila Rathnasinghe

Lecturer

School: Architecture and Built Environment

I am an engaged academic specialising in quantity surveying and construction management, with a passion for integrating digital innovation into sustainable construction. My interests focus on how we build, why we build, and how digital technologies can be leveraged to create sustainable buildings and infrastructure for a diverse range of users. I value close collaboration with the construction industry to deepen my understanding of its operations and contribute to its growth.

As a Lecturer in Construction Project Management and Co-Lead of the Sustainable Construction Futures research group at Northumbria University's Faculty of Engineering & Environment, I am dedicated to maintaining a strong and dynamic education and research culture. I am also committed to equity and inclusion in all aspects of my work. My research examines the intersection of construction project management, quantity surveying, and digital technology, with a particular focus on platform-based ecosystems for modular housing solutions.

I serve on the scientific committees of several internationally recognised conferences, including the World Construction Symposium (Scopus-indexed proceedings), jointly organised by the Ceylon Institute of Builders and the Department of Building Economics at the University of Moratuwa; the FARU International Research Conference series; and the SEEDs Conference series in the UK.

I hold a Doctorate in Built Environment from Northumbria University (2024) and a first-class honours BSc in Quantity Surveying (2019). My doctoral thesis was nominated and awarded for one of the CIB Best Doctoral Dissertation Awards in 2025.

I am eager to connect with professionals, researchers, and students who are interested in sustainable construction, digital innovation, and modular housing solutions. Please feel free to reach out to discuss collaboration opportunities, research ideas, or advancements in the built environment sector.

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Research Themes and Scholarly Interests

My research interests are deeply rooted in the critical examination and advancement of construction practices through the integration of digital technologies and sustainable methodologies. To date, I have produced 45 peer-reviewed publications, including book chapters, journal articles, and conference papers, over 20 of which are indexed journal publications. Key areas of research include:

Digital Construction and Innovation: Investigating how digital technologies such as BIM, blockchain, and big data can transform construction processes, particularly in modular housing, to enhance efficiency, transparency, and resilience.
Modular Housing and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC): Leading research on platform-based ecosystems for modular housing, assessing their scalability and long-term sustainability, and mapping their integration into mainstream construction practices.
Sustainability and Whole-Life Construction Solutions: Promoting sustainable construction practices by developing whole-life solutions that focus on reducing environmental impacts, waste, and improving project management.
Construction Law and Contract Management: Critically examining the legal frameworks governing construction projects, with a focus on enhancing dispute resolution mechanisms and improving the enforceability and fairness of standard forms of contract.

Key Publications

Please visit the Pure Research Information Portal for further information
Editorial: Embracing circularity in building retrofitting for sustainable transformation, Rathnasinghe, A., Kulatunga, U., Asmone , A., Ariyachandra, M. 27 Feb 2026, In: Frontiers in Built Environment
Beyond Efficiency: Rethinking Off-Site Construction for Post-Disaster Housing Reconstruction, Rathnasinghe, A., Rahubadda, A., Thurairajah, N., Kulatunga, U. 15 Aug 2025, Proceedings of the 13th World Construction Symposium, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Ceylon Institute of Builders
The critique of sustainability discourse within the off-site construction (OSC): a systematic-scientometric review, Rathnasinghe, A., Thurairajah, N., Jones, P., Goulding, J. 4 May 2025, In: Architectural Engineering and Design Management
Unveiling the Root Causes of Arbitration Failures in Construction Contracts, Perera, D., Jayalath, C., Kulatunga, U., Rathnasinghe, A. 1 May 2026, In: Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction
A Knowledge Framework for Blockchain-enabled Smart Contract Adoption in the Construction Industry, Weerapperuma, U., Rathnasinghe, A., Jayasena, S., Wijewickrama, C., Thurairajah, N. 2 Jan 2025, In: Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

Professional Activity

Please visit the Pure Research Information Portal for further information
Examination: Chairperson: Progress Review Panel for Research Degree Candidate 2026
Organising a conference, workshop, ...: the 14th World Construction Symposium 2026
Organising a conference, workshop, ...: The International Research Conference of Faculty of Architecture Research Unit (FARU) 2025
Editorial work: Frontiers in Built Environment (Journal) 2025

Further Information

I actively engage in interdisciplinary research that integrates diverse perspectives to address complex challenges within the built environment. Beyond my research and teaching, I contribute to the wider academic community through doctoral research/master's in research examination, editorial responsibilities, and conference organisation.

These activities have enriched my research portfolio and contributed to valuable insights into global challenges within the construction industry. Looking ahead, my research will continue to explore the integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain into construction processes to create adaptive, resilient, and sustainable built environments.