Dissanayake Dissanayake

Skills

Architectural designs
• Lecturing
• Project management
• Project consultancy
• Project documentation
• Site inspection
• Client relationship management
• Sub-contract management
• Surveying and levelling
• Quality Assurance and Quality Controlling
• Project planning
• MS Project
• MS Office
• Adobe Suite
• Adobe Illustrator
• ArchiCAD
• Lumion
• AutoCAD
• Corel Draw
• Dynamo
• Grasshopper
• BIM
• Revit
• 3D Model Making
• 3D Studio Max
• Twinmotion
• V Ray
• Enscape
• Sketchup
• Communication
• Leadership
• Adaptability
• Critical thinking
• Empathetic
• Creativity
• Fast learner
• Hardworking
• Coordination
• Problem-solving

About

I am Deepthi Chandima Dissanayake, a passionate and experienced academic professional with a strong foundation in architecture, construction, and the built environment. With over 15 years of combined experience in higher education and industry practice, I bring a comprehensive and holistic perspective to lecturing. I am a Chartered Architect, Course Manager, and Lecturer with a successful career that bridges the worlds of academia and practice. My journey is one shaped by commitment, innovation, and a deep passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation of professionals.

Currently, I serve as a Course Manager and Lecturer in Professional Construction and the Built Environment at North Kent College, UK. In this role, I lead the delivery of the T Level Technical Qualification in Design, Surveying, and Planning for Construction. I manage a broad range of academic and operational responsibilities, including planning, teaching, assessment, learner progress tracking, and student recruitment. I take pride in creating an inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environment that helps students not only grasp technical concepts but also develop soft skills and employability attributes essential to their future careers.

I hold a Master of Science in Architecture from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, where I was honored with the Geoffrey Bawa Award for achieving the highest marks in the Comprehensive Design & Technology report. I also earned a First-Class Bachelor of Science degree in Built Environment with Distinction from the same university. These academic milestones laid the foundation for my professional and teaching careers, both grounded in rigorous academic principles and enriched by practical insights from the field.

My teaching experience spans both the UK and Sri Lanka. Prior to my current role in the UK, I worked as a Visiting Lecturer at leading Sri Lankan universities, including General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and the University of Moratuwa. My work involved delivering lectures on architecture and the built environment, guiding design studio projects, supervising assessments, and mentoring students through their academic journeys. I specialize in teaching advanced computer applications and digital tools for architecture, such as Revit, 3D Studio Max, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and BIM-related software, and I integrate this technical expertise into every aspect of my instruction.

I have always believed in a learner-centered approach to education. I aim to empower my students with critical thinking skills, creativity, and confidence to solve real-world problems. I provide academic and pastoral support, helping students navigate both their studies and their personal development. Through progress reviews and one-on-one mentoring, I strive to foster resilience, motivation, and clarity in their learning goals.

My industry experience spans over a decade, during which I have worked in Sri Lanka, Oman, and the UK. As a Chartered Architect and Project Consultant, I have led numerous high-profile projects from conception to completion, including residential high-rises and national infrastructure projects like the Colombo Lotus Tower and TRCSL headquarters. My roles have required me to manage everything from architectural design and documentation to client communication, site inspections, authority approvals, and contract administration. These experiences have not only honed my project management skills but also given me the practical insights I bring into my teaching.

I believe that a good lecturer is not just an instructor but also a mentor, facilitator, and role model. At North Kent College, I go beyond classroom instruction—I contribute to curriculum development, liaise with external stakeholders, conduct interviews for prospective students, and guide learning outcomes using diagnostic assessments and performance analytics. I make a conscious effort to embed literacy, numeracy, and digital competency into the construction curriculum, as well as values like professionalism, sustainability, and teamwork.

My technical fluency is a strength I actively use in both teaching and academic management. I am proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, 3D Studio Max, Grasshopper, Dynamo, Lumion, Adobe Suite, Twinmotion, Enscape, and other tools critical to modern architectural practice. I integrate these platforms into my lessons to make the learning experience dynamic and industry-relevant. I also utilize MS Project and Excel for planning and monitoring, and I ensure that my students are trained to use these tools as part of their professional toolkit.

Throughout my career, I have built strong professional relationships within academic and construction networks. I value collaboration and regularly engage with course leaders, examiners, and institutional administrators to continuously improve course offerings and align with industry standards. I am a proud member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects and a Green Associated Professional with the Green Building Council Sri Lanka, advocating for sustainable and responsible design practices.

One of the things I value most is the ability to blend academic theory with real-world practice. My students often tell me that they appreciate my ability to relate what they’re learning in class to what actually happens on a construction site or in a design studio. I draw from real projects, mistakes, lessons learned, and successes to show them that architecture and construction are as much about people and purpose as they are about buildings and blueprints.

In addition to my teaching and consultancy work, I have remained committed to personal growth and adaptability. I recently gained experience in the UK print and binding industry with CPI Antony Rowe, where I developed skills in equipment operation, quality control, and process optimization. This role, although different from my architectural background, strengthened my technical coordination skills and attention to detail—qualities I now bring to every aspect of my professional life.

I hold a full UK driving license and am open to relocation for the right opportunity. I am always seeking environments that support academic innovation, professional development, and student success. I bring with me a wealth of knowledge, a deep commitment to education, and an unwavering belief that good teaching can transform lives.

In summary, I am a dedicated lecturer, experienced architect, and lifelong learner who is passionate about bridging the gap between education and industry. Whether in the classroom, on the construction site, or within a project team, I bring a combination of expertise, energy, and empathy that helps students thrive and institutions grow. I look forward to new challenges and the opportunity to contribute to institutions that share my vision for excellence in architectural and construction education.