Ruffina Thilakaratne

Professor Dr. Ruffina Thilakaratne is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), a qualified environmental professional, with extensive international experience spanning academia, architectural practice, and the United Nations.

Ruffina’s work focuses on advancing sustainable and resilient built environments through net-zero carbon strategies, circular economy principles, and climate- responsive design. As Principal Investigator, Ruffina currently leads a major research project exploring Al-driven adaptive reuse of industrial buildings. She is the Co-Editor of The UN SDGs – Hong Kong Architects in Action. She has contributed to a diverse portfolio of projects, including mixed-use developments, hospitality, and education, science and technology parks. Through her extensive experience, she serves as a jury member for international design awards.

She plays an active leadership role within the profession through her roles as a RIBA Trustee and International Councillor for Asia and Australasia, advisor to the International WELL Building Institute, and faculty member at the Hong Kong Green Building Council.