AOD Faculty
William Luke Marshall
Programme Lead – Fashion Department
William Luke Marshall brings over two decades of international fashion industry experience, combining a distinguished career in luxury fashion with a passion for developing future designers. His professional journey spans Milan, New York, London, and the United States, offering extensive insight into the creative and commercial realities of the global fashion industry. A graduate of Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, London, William holds a BA (Hons) in Womenswear Fashion and was awarded the prestigious Best Collection in Womenswear. Following his studies, he built an exceptional career with some of the world’s most renowned fashion houses. William has held senior design and creative leadership positions with internationally recognised brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Rebecca Minkoff, Anthropologie, and Abercrombie & Fitch. During his time in Milan, he worked alongside Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana on runway and cruise collections, before spending eight years at Emporio Armani as Senior Designer and Head of Jersey for Ready-to-Wear collections. In New York, he led design teams at Rebecca Minkoff, developing runway collections and bespoke garments for celebrity clients. Alongside his industry career, William has extensive experience in higher education across the UK, the Netherlands, and Indonesia. His expertise spans fashion design, ready-to-wear development, luxury fashion, textile sourcing, global supply chains, and trend forecasting.
Joanne Stoker
Senior Lecturer – Fashion Department
Joanne Stoker is an award-winning designer, academic, and creative consultant with over 15 years of international experience across fashion, footwear, accessories, and textiles. Her career combines luxury fashion practice, sustainable innovation, and creative education. Joanne holds a BA (Hons) in Fashion & Textile Design from Northumbria University and a Master’s degree in Footwear Design from the London College of Fashion. Her specialist expertise covers concept development, technical pattern cutting, footwear design, prototyping, and product development. Before joining AOD as a Design Consultant, Joanne served as Head of the Fashion & Textile Department, contributing to curriculum development and student showcases at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka. Her professional career includes creative roles with internationally recognised brands such as Matthew Williamson, 7 For All Mankind, Mila Schön, Eudon Choi, The Rainbow Club, and Tom Cody, with collections showcased at London and Milan Fashion Weeks. She is the founder of NO-AD, a sustainable fashion brand exploring eco-friendly textiles, organic plant-based dyes, and innovative vegan leather alternatives. Her work has received international recognition, including the Vogue Italia Talents Award, British Footwear Association Footwear Design Award, and First Into Fashion Prize presented by Jimmy Choo.
Mika Nivola
Programme Lead – Visual Communication, Motion Graphics & Animation
Mika Nivola is a filmmaker, visual artist, and multidisciplinary creative whose practice connects fashion, cinema, visual storytelling, and contemporary media. Their work explores the relationship between narrative, technology, culture, and visual communication. Mika holds a degree in Cinema from Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, complemented by postgraduate qualifications in Non-Fiction Filmmaking and Pedagogy. Their creative and academic practice spans film, photography, installation, and visual research. As a filmmaker and visual artist, Mika has directed and conceptualised more than 35 short films, documentaries, video essays, and award-winning mini-series. Their work has been selected for international film festivals and visual arts exhibitions, receiving recognition through competitive creative grants from cultural institutions. Mika’s professional practice includes film direction, art direction, editing, writing, post-production, and creative development across independent cinema, documentaries, music videos, and multimedia installations.
Joel Rapp
Senior Lecturer - Interior Design
Joel Rapp is an internationally experienced designer, educator, and design consultant with over three decades of professional practice across four continents. His expertise spans interior design, exhibition design, hospitality, furniture design, and design education. Joel has worked in 27 countries, leading projects across the hospitality, commercial, cultural, and residential sectors. He previously served as Regional Design Director for Club Méditerranée (Club Med) and later as Design and Fabrication Director at The Displayers, Inc., New York, delivering projects for organisations including the New York Historical Society and the NYPD. For more than a decade, Joel has contributed to Sri Lanka's design sector and played a key role in establishing the Interior Design Degree Programme at the Academy of Design (AOD). In 2004, he founded 315 Squared Design, a studio specialising in bespoke residential interiors and furniture for clients across the United States and Europe.
Shilanthi Abayagunawardane
Senior Lecturer - Fashion Department
Shilanthi Abayagunawardane is an accomplished textile designer and educator with over three decades of experience in textile design, fabric development, and fashion education. She studied at the Ontario College of Art, Canada, where she received the Ontario College of Art Textile Design Award, the Lily Maley Scholarship, and the Banff Arts Centre Scholarship. After returning to Sri Lanka, she worked with institutions including the University of Moratuwa, Barefoot, and Jewel Knits, contributing to the development of contemporary textile design. Her work combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary textile innovation, inspiring emerging designers to explore materials, techniques, and creative expression through textiles.
Damayanthi Wedage
Senior Lecturer – Fashion Department
Damayanthi Wedage is an experienced fashion educator specialising in pattern making, garment construction, grading, and technical fashion development. With extensive knowledge of apparel production and technical processes, she has played an important role in developing practical skills within fashion education. She completed her formal education in Pattern Making and Grading at the Clothing Industry Training Institute and has contributed her expertise to fashion education through institutions including the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the National Institute of Education (NIE). Damayanthi has also participated in several technology transfer programmes in Scientific Dress Making conducted by organisations including the Industrial Development Board (IDB), National Housing Authority (NHA), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Recognised for her expertise in apparel training and technical education, she has contributed as a member of the National Industrial Training Advisory Committee. Her expertise includes pattern development, garment construction, grading, apparel technology, and technical fashion processes.
Prabath Samarasooriya
Senior Lecturer – Fashion Department
Prabath Samarasooriya is an accomplished fashion designer, illustrator, textile designer, and educator with a multidisciplinary creative practice spanning fashion, jewellery, fine arts, theatre, and visual storytelling. He graduated with First Class Honours in Fashion Design from Northumbria University and has further developed his expertise through a Diploma in Jewellery Design from the Institute of Gem and Jewellery, a certificate in CAD Jewellery Design, and three years of academic training in Fine Arts. Throughout his career, Prabath has been recognised as one of Sri Lanka’s leading fashion creatives, with collections showcased at major platforms including Colombo Fashion Week, Sri Lanka Design Festival, Pret, Hyderabad Fashion Week, and Jaipur Fashion Week. Beyond fashion design, his creative practice extends into illustration, textile development, set design, and theatre costume design. His interdisciplinary approach explores the relationship between fashion, art, performance, and storytelling.
Rashika Abeyawardana
Senior Lecturer – Interior Design & Fashion Department
Rashika Abeyawardana is a UK and Sri Lanka Chartered Architect, researcher, and academic with over two decades of international experience in architectural practice, design education, and research. Her work bridges professional practice, academic inquiry, and innovative approaches to the built environment. Rashika completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture (RIBA Part 3) and MSc in Built Environment (Virtual Environments) at The Bartlett, University College London (UCL). She also holds a Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (CTHE) from the University of Colombo. Her academic career includes senior teaching and research roles at institutions including the City School of Architecture (partnered with the University of the West of England, UK) and the University of Moratuwa. She has contributed to undergraduate and postgraduate design education through research supervision, curriculum development, and academic mentoring. Alongside academia, Rashika has extensive professional experience as a Chartered Architect in London, working with internationally recognised practices including YRM and The Austin Company. She has also contributed to heritage conservation initiatives through the UNESCO Cultural Triangle Fund, supporting the documentation and conservation of historic buildings in Sri Lanka. Her research interests include architectural education, heritage conservation, spatial design, virtual environments, and the relationship between people and the built environment.
Shiva Viswanathan
Senior Lecturer – Visual Communication
Shiva Viswanathan is a communication designer, creative strategist, and design leader with over 30 years of international experience spanning branding, digital transformation, user experience, and business strategy. A graduate of the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, Shiva has built an accomplished career leading multidisciplinary teams and developing transformative brand and digital experiences for global organisations. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions with renowned creative networks including Ogilvy, WPP, and Brand Union, leading branding, digital experience, and user-centred design initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region. He is the founder of Apparatus Media Lab, a branding and user experience consultancy that was acquired by WPP/Ogilvy. He has also founded and advised technology and design ventures including Catenate.io and LeapOnboard, and serves as Director of DesignUp, a leading conference focused on UX, product design, and digital innovation. His expertise spans branding, UX/UI design, digital strategy, product development, innovation, and creative leadership.
Alain Parizeau
Senior Lecturer – Visual Communication & Graphic Design
Alain Parizeau is a Canadian graphic designer, typographer, and design educator with extensive international experience in branding, visual communication, and design education. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Alain completed his formal education in Graphic Design at York University before relocating to Sri Lanka to contribute to the development of design education and the creative industries. For over a decade, Alain has been a valued member of the Academy of Design, contributing to contemporary graphic design education and mentoring emerging designers. He is the founder and director of Public Works, a creative practice producing culturally inspired print, digital, and spatial design projects. He is also a certified CIRCO Trainer in Sri Lanka, supporting designers and organisations in adopting circular design principles and sustainable innovation. Alain has delivered keynote presentations and workshops internationally on graphic design, branding, typography, interface design, and design thinking. He is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) and a Member of the International Society of Typographic Designers (MISTD).
Abhilash Jose
Lecturer – Motion Graphics & Animation
Abhilash Jose is a creative design lead and interaction design specialist with over 13 years of industry experience spanning product design, UX/UI, gaming, motion graphics, digital media, and fintech. Throughout his career, Abhilash has collaborated with technology companies, publishers, and global brands, developing digital products, user experiences, design systems, and visual communication solutions. His professional portfolio includes projects for organisations such as Saint-Gobain, Geodis, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Green Gold Animation, Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, Pearson, and The New Indian Express. With expertise in human-centred design, digital products, interaction design, and motion storytelling, Abhilash combines creative strategy with technical knowledge to develop engaging digital experiences.
Chathuri Kannangara
Faculty Member – Interior Design
Chathuri is an accomplished interior designer with a strong foundation in interior architecture and professional design practice. She graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture Design from Northumbria University, one of the UK’s leading institutions for creative education. She has built her professional career at DDN Design, one of Sri Lanka’s leading interior design firms, under the direction of renowned interior designer and architect Dipika Dharmadasa. Through her work at DDN Design, Chathuri has gained extensive experience in interior architecture, spatial planning, design development, and delivering creative solutions for diverse interior environments. Her practice combines technical knowledge with a strong understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and user experience, bringing valuable industry insight into contemporary interior design.
Irushi Tennekoon
Lecturer – Motion Graphics & Animation
Irushi Anoja Tennekoon is an award-winning filmmaker, animator, contemporary artist, and educator whose creative practice spans animation, visual storytelling, installation art, and experimental filmmaking. She holds a Master of Arts in Animation from the Royal College of Art, London, awarded through the prestigious Chevening Scholarship funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. She also holds an MA in English Studies from the University of Colombo and a BA (Hons) in Languages from Sabaragamuwa University. Before joining AOD, Irushi lectured at the University of Colombo and the University of Kelaniya. Her artistic practice explores themes of history, memory, architecture, and social narratives through animation and mixed media. Her work has been supported by organisations including the European Union, British Council, Agenda14, and Forensic Architecture, and has been exhibited and screened at platforms including the Venice Architecture Biennale, Thailand Biennale, Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), London, and MMCA Sri Lanka.
Dinendri Indatissa
Lecturer – Motion Graphics & Animation
Dinendri Indatissa is a multidisciplinary designer, visual artist, and educator specialising in motion graphics, 2D animation, visual storytelling, and digital content strategy.A First Class Honours graduate in BA (Hons) Motion Graphics & Animation Design from Northumbria University, delivered through the Academy of Design (AOD), she also has a background in communication, English literature, and marketing.Her professional experience includes freelance work as a visual artist and 2D animator, as well as creative roles with Stagelight and Magic Inc., Derana Macroentertainment, and Redlime Advertising, developing animation, digital content, and visual communication projects across multiple industries.Her expertise includes motion graphics, animation, digital storytelling, visual communication, and multimedia production.
Chethya Munasinghe
Lecturer – Motion Graphics & Animation
Chethya Munasinghe is a designer, art director, educator, and creative entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in branding, visual communication, editorial design, and design innovation.She holds a Master of Arts in Design Innovation with Distinction from De Montfort University, UK, and a BA (Hons) in Graphics & Visual Communication Design from Northumbria University.Chethya has held creative leadership roles with organisations including AOD International Design Campus, Grant McCann Erickson Group, Island Craft, Urban Island, and Fashion Market LK. She is also the founder of Endemic, an independent branding and design consultancy.Her work has been recognised through awards including the Graphics Best of Show Award at AOD, the Sri Lanka Design Festival Best Project Award, and the Ray Wijewardene Charitable Trust Best Student Project Finalis
Leyanvi Mirando
Lecturer – Visual Communication
Leyanvi Mirando is an award-winning art director, editorial designer, and creative strategist with over a decade of experience in advertising, branding, publishing, and visual communication.An alumna of the Academy of Design, she holds a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, has pursued a Master of Arts in Design Innovation, and has completed Level 4 of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).Leyanvi has held senior creative roles including Creative Group Head and Art Director at MullenLowe Sri Lanka and Art Editor at Echelon Magazine. She has also worked as an independent branding consultant and is a member of the Akuru Collective, contributing to the research and preservation of Sri Lankan typography.Her work has been recognised through the Sri Lankan Young Spikes Asia competition, Young Lotus (ADFEST), and presentations at the TYPODAY International Design Conference.
Pubudi Lawanya Malalanayake
Lecturer – Fashion Department
Pubudi Lawanya Malalanayake is a fashion designer and digital product technologist specialising in 3D apparel development, virtual prototyping, and digital fashion innovation.A First Class Honours graduate and Class Valedictorian in BA (Hons) Fashion Design & Textiles from AOD, affiliated with Northumbria University, UK, she has worked as a Digital Product Technologist at MAS Holdings, collaborating with global brands including Lululemon, Patagonia, Arc'teryx, and Calvin Klein.Pubudi is also the founder and Creative Director of Code Synth Labs, a digital fashion studio exploring future-focused fashion practices. Her work has received international recognition, including being named a Validated 3D Artist by Lululemon and winning The Rookies Rookie of the Year Award in Digital Fashion.
Binu Wickramasinghe
Lecturer – Fashion Department
Binu Wickramasinghe is a fashion business leader, entrepreneur, and retail strategist with extensive experience across fashion retail, e-commerce, brand management, and business development. She holds a Master of Arts in Fashion Business Management from the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, and a Bachelor of Design in Fashion from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi. Binu is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Design Collective Store, one of Sri Lanka’s leading multi-brand retail platforms representing designer brands from Sri Lanka and the region. Her leadership experience includes senior roles such as Chief Operating Officer at Aviraté (Timex Garments), Fashion Category Lead at Daraz (Alibaba Group), and leadership positions with Colombo Fashion Week Holdings and luxury menswear brand Raghavendra Rathore. She has also worked as a business consultant for brands including Tateossian London, LOVI Ceylon, Kantala, and Mackly Pyjamas, with expertise spanning fashion business, retail strategy, e-commerce, brand development, and entrepreneurship.
Ahsan Anwer
Lecturer – Interior Design
Ahsan Anwer is an interior designer, 3D architectural visualiser, and educator specialising in spatial design, architectural visualisation, and digital design workflows. An alumnus of the Academy of Design, Ahsan brings a multidisciplinary approach to interior design, combining technical expertise with an understanding of human-centred design principles. His academic foundation in Psychology further informs his exploration of the relationship between people, behaviour, and the built environment. Alongside his academic practice, Ahsan works as a 3D Architectural Visualizer for AnimeAxiom, USA, creating architectural renders, material simulations, and spatial visualisations for international projects. His professional experience includes interior design, technical drafting, project coordination, and quantity surveying with organisations including Space Envoy, SK Interior Solutions, and Cindesign. His expertise includes CAD documentation, 3D modelling, architectural visualisation, spatial planning, material studies, and digital design communication.
Tia Goonaratna
Lecturer
Tia Goonaratna is a multidisciplinary creative strategist, design researcher, and educator with international experience spanning visual communication, human-centred design, editorial practice, retail operations, and creative strategy. She holds a Master of Arts in Applied Imagination in the Creative Industries from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, alongside a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design from Northumbria University and a Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design from AOD. Tia’s professional experience spans education, journalism, advertising, retail, and creative industries. She has worked as an English Copywriter at Grant McCann Erickson, Journalist and Features Editor at The Sunday Leader, and held operational leadership roles within London’s creative retail sector. Her experience also includes e-commerce photography, business operations, and academic development. Her research interests focus on human-centred design, systems thinking, behavioural insight, storytelling, and creative problem-solving.
María Antonia Pérez M.
Lecturer
María Antonia Pérez M. is an internationally recognised practitioner-scholar, peacebuilder, visual communicator, and educator with over two decades of experience using design, arts-based research, and participatory methodologies for social transformation. She holds a Joint Master’s Degree in Management of Social Enterprises for Social Innovation and Local Development from EAFIT University, Colombia, and the University of Verona, Italy, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Editing from Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain. A Rotary Peace Fellow at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, María Antonia has worked across Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe in areas including cultural policy, peacebuilding, community development, and social innovation. She has served as Undersecretary of Cultural Citizenship for the Mayor’s Office of Medellín and Director of the Art for Social Transformation Programme at IDARTES, Bogotá, leading cultural and community-based initiatives. Her expertise includes participatory design, visual storytelling, social innovation, cultural dialogue, design research, and community-centred creative practice.
Mentors
Douglas MacLennan
Douglas MacLennan is a highly respected fashion educator and academic with over four decades of experience shaping the future of fashion design across leading international institutions. His career spans fashion practice, higher education, academic leadership, and consultancy, with a significant contribution to global fashion education. Douglas began his career in the fashion industry, specialising in fashion knitwear in Hong Kong before transitioning into education. He commenced his teaching career in 1972 at St Martin’s School of Art, London, before joining Northumbria University, where he dedicated almost 44 years to mentoring emerging fashion designers until 2016. Throughout his academic career, Douglas has guided generations of designers who have progressed to successful careers with leading global fashion companies including Nike, Adidas, Gap, Ralph Lauren/Polo, Louis Vuitton, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Calvin Klein. He has also contributed internationally as an external examiner across more than 35 higher education institutions in the UK, Spain, India, and Greece. Douglas has served as Chair of the Graduate Fashion Foundation (Graduate Fashion Week), supporting the advancement of emerging fashion talent and strengthening connections between fashion education and the global creative industry. He continues to contribute through international consultancy and academic advisory roles across Singapore, China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. His expertise includes fashion education, curriculum development, design practice, academic quality enhancement, and industry engagement, bringing extensive global knowledge and experience to the next generation of designers.
Professor Thomas Atkinson
Professor Thomas Atkinson is an accomplished fashion academic, designer, and educator with extensive international experience spanning fashion design, textiles, industry practice, and higher education leadership. Thomas graduated from St Martin’s School of Art, London, with a BA (Hons) in Fashion/Textiles before completing an MA Design Degree in Fashion at the Royal College of Art, London. His career reflects a strong connection between creative practice, industry experience, and academic development. Before moving into higher education, Thomas built a successful career as a menswear and womenswear designer in Italy and the UK. He worked with internationally recognised fashion houses and designer labels including Luciano Soprani, Giorgio Armani, Bernard Wetherill Ltd (Savile Row), and Laura Ashley, gaining extensive experience in luxury fashion, ready-to-wear, textiles, and collection development. Thomas has held senior academic leadership positions, including Head of School of Fashion at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), Rochester and Epsom, where he contributed to fashion education strategy, curriculum development, and academic excellence. Previously serving as Director of Academic Affairs at the Academy of Design (AOD), Thomas has played an important role in strengthening fashion education through industry-focused approaches, international academic standards, and creative innovation. His expertise spans fashion design, textiles, curriculum development, academic leadership, industry collaboration, and contemporary fashion practice.
