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 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 hold a Doctorate in Built Environment from Northumbria University (2024) and a first-class honours BSc in Quantity Surveying (2019).

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.

Email Akila

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. Over the past five years, I have had the opportunity to produce over 37 peer-reviewed publications, including book chapters, journal articles, and conference papers, 17 of which are indexed journal publications. One of my conference papers was awarded the Best Paper Award. 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
Unveiling the Root Causes of Arbitration Failures in Construction Contracts, Perera, D., Jayalath, C., Kulatunga, U., Rathnasinghe, A. 13 Jan 2026, In: Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction
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
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
Codify, Condition, Capacitate: Expert Perspectives on Institution-First Blockchain–BIM Governance for PPP Transparency in Nigeria, Rathnasinghe, A., Rahubadda, A., Ede, K., Gledson, B. 16 Jan 2026, In: FinTech

Professional Activity

Please visit the Pure Research Information Portal for further information
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 am actively engaged in interdisciplinary research aimed at addressing complex challenges within the built environment by integrating diverse perspectives. I contribute to significant projects at Northumbria University, working closely with leading scholars across various disciplines.

These projects have enriched my research portfolio and provided 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.