Dr. Nilesh Bakshi is an experienced multidisciplinary academic and practitioner specialising in practice-based architectural research. His work is dedicated to translating theoretical inquiry into real-world application, with a focus on architectural tectonics, building science, and sustainable futures.

Dr. Bakshi’s deep connection to the School began with his Bachelor of Architectural Studies in 2006, leading to a PhD in Architecture in 2017. He has served as an educator within the School since his postgraduate studies, seamlessly integrating his evolving research into the teaching programmes.

His academic work is fundamentally informed by professional practice, initially by his time as an architectural designer and most recently through his role as Head of Research at Studio of Pacific Architecture. This unique position bridges the academia-industry divide, ensuring his research is grounded in practical challenges and applications. He now spearheads this mission as the Director of the DeCarbonization Design Lab (DCD Lab), a research hub dedicated to advancing data-driven sustainable design.

Research Focus & Real-World Application:
Dr. Bakshi’s research operates at the intersection of architectural science, sustainability, and human-centred design. He employs a practice-based methodology to investigate:

• The integration of life cycle assessments (LCAs) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) to advance sustainable design and material practices.
• Architectural tectonics and environmental engineering systems, exploring both passive conservation measures and active sustainable technologies.
• The simulation and measurement of human behaviour within energy models to improve building performance and inform architectural futures.

Leadership in Applied Research: The DeCarbonization Design Lab (DCD Lab)
As Director of the DCD Lab, Dr. Bakshi leads a team focused on the critical pathway to a low-carbon built environment. The lab’s core, applied research empowers industry and informs policy through rigorous analysis. Its current flagship work involves:

• Conducting foundational Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) research for regional building materials and construction assemblies.
• Developing verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which provide transparent, standardised data on the environmental impact of materials.
• Creating practical tools and frameworks that integrate this carbon data directly into architectural and engineering workflows, enabling designers to make informed, sustainable choices from the earliest stages of a project.

His research portfolio consistently demonstrates how architectural investigation can directly influence industry practice, sustainable outcomes, and the development of resilient built environments, with the DCD Lab serving as a vital engine for this impactful, applied work.