Dr Simeng Li MEng

I am passionate about exploring how innovative design approaches and emerging technologies can contribute to better building performance, lower-carbon construction, and more sustainable built environments.

My research focuses on sustainable construction, building performance optimisation, and digital and computational approaches to building design and construction. I have particular interests in Building Information Modelling (BIM), parametric and generative design, automated modelling, building performance simulation, modular and prefabricated construction, and renewable energy integration. I am also interested in exploring the emerging potential of artificial intelligence in built environment research and practice.

My doctoral research focused on algorithm-driven parametric design and automated modelling for low-carbon prefabricated buildings. I developed computational approaches that generated and evaluated more than 11,600 design alternatives to investigate how design parameters can be optimised to improve building performance and support low-carbon design decision-making. This work strengthened my interest in connecting architectural design, building performance, and digital technologies.

My research has also explored building energy performance, passive design, photovoltaic integration, prefabricated housing, and low-carbon construction. More recently, I have contributed to research on strengthening the capacity and capability of New Zealand's construction sector to support its transition towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future.

I enjoy working in interdisciplinary and collaborative research environments and have contributed to research projects in both New Zealand and China. At Massey University, I have been involved in the MBIE Endeavour-funded CanConstructNZ project and research on building capability for the construction industry's transition to zero carbon. My research outputs include journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers across sustainable construction, building performance, digital technologies, prefabrication, and construction capability.

My teaching and postgraduate supervision are closely connected to my research interests. I teach in areas including sustainability, construction technologies, and built environment research, and supervise master's and doctoral students in sustainable construction, digital construction technologies, and building performance. I particularly enjoy supporting students in developing critical thinking, research capability, and the ability to connect academic knowledge with real-world built environment challenges.

I also bring architectural and built environment industry experience from both New Zealand and China, including residential design and consent documentation, prefabricated housing, commercial and tourism developments, and technical guidelines for energy-efficient building renovation. These experiences have strengthened my interest in bridging research, education, and professional practice.

I hold a doctoral degree in Architecture, specialising in Green Building Technology and Theory, a Master of Construction Management, a Master of Architecture, and a Bachelor of Architecture. My academic journey has also included a doctoral visiting programme at Deakin University in Australia, giving me an interdisciplinary and international educational background across architecture, construction management, and the built environment.

I am an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) through Advance HE, and a Green Star Accredited Professional (GSAP) and Homestar Designer with the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC).