Akila Rathnasinghe is a Lecturer in the Department of Built Environment at Northumbria University, specialising in the integration of digital technologies with sustainable construction practices. His research focuses on the intersections of construction project management, quantity surveying, and digital innovation, with a particular emphasis on platform-based ecosystems for modular housing solutions.
His PhD thesis, “An Integrated Whole-Life Solution for Modular Housing in the United Kingdom: A Platform-Based Ecosystem Narrative,” offers a novel contribution to modular construction in the UK. The research provides a comprehensive framework aligned with the Government’s Product Platform Rulebook, embedding sustainability across the lifecycle of construction projects, from design to decommissioning.
Akila brings significant industry expertise to his academic role, having worked as a professional Quantity Surveyor on large-scale infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka. This experience informs both his research and teaching, where he bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world application. He is deeply committed to education, delivering modules on construction project management and built environment topics, grounded in his research and practical background.
He earned a PhD studentship at Northumbria University in 2021, following his first-class honours BSc in Quantity Surveying degree from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka in 2019. Prior to joining Northumbria, he lectured and served as a Research Assistant at the University of Moratuwa.
Akila's research interests are deeply rooted in the critical examination and advancement of construction practices by integrating digital technologies and sustainable methodologies. Over the past five years, he has authored over 35 peer-reviewed publications, including book chapters, journal articles, and conference papers, with fifteen of these being indexed journal publications. One of his conference papers was awarded the Best Paper Award. Key areas of research include:
Akila has actively engaged in interdisciplinary research aimed at addressing complex challenges within the built environment by bringing together diverse perspectives. He has contributed to notable projects, working closely with leading scholars across various disciplines.
Key collaborative research projects include:
These projects have enriched his research portfolio and provided valuable insights into the global challenges in the construction industry. Looking ahead, his research will continue to explore the integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain into construction processes to create adaptive, resilient, and sustainable built environments.
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