Professor John Orr
Current Employment: Professor of Structural Engineering, University of Cambridge
Career History: Director of Cloverleaf Limited (2019 – present) Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge (2018 – present) University Assistant Professor in Concrete Structures, University of Cambridge (2017-2022) Assistant Professor and Director of Research, University of Bath (2013-2017)
Election Statement:
As a long-standing contributor to our Institution, from work on technical panels to co-authoring guidance on calculating embodied carbon and delivering net zero design, I believe in the role we have as structural engineers to shape a better world. My research, teaching, and consultancy combine real-world impact with academic rigour. My focus is in material efficiency, design-led innovation, and rethinking how we build, drawing from the lessons of history to support a sustainable future.
From research in how to automate concrete manufacturing to establishing a new interdisciplinary degree in Cambridge, I have championed fresh thinking in our profession. I believe the Institution should lead on performance-based design, adaptive reuse, and digital innovation—supporting our members as agents of positive change.
If elected, I will promote design excellence and environmental responsibility, support the next generation of engineers, and help ensure our Institution remains a credible, forward-looking voice in the global construction industry.
Q1: How will you contribute to achieving the Institution’s objects and strategy?
I will contribute by championing design that is safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible—advancing the art and science of structural engineering in line with our Royal Charter. I’ve co-authored widely used IStructE guidance on embodied carbon and zero carbon design, helping members respond to the climate emergency. As a Professor at the University of Cambridge, I educate and mentor the next generation of engineers, and support the Chartership process through research reviews.
My work focuses on how we design, not just what we design—bringing together digital tools, fabrication methods, and material efficiency. I’ll support the Institution’s strategic priorities by fostering competence through education, supporting community through collaboration, and ensuring inclusivity in our technical and cultural practices. I aim to strengthen our role as a global leader in structural engineering, ensuring we remain a trusted, future-facing institution with a strong public benefit mission.
Q2: What specific skills & experience will you bring to the role?
I bring broad experience across the Institution and the profession. As Chair of the Structural Awards panel, I lead the Institution’s flagship celebration of design excellence. As Associate Editor of Structures, I support the academic impact of our members’ work. My research focuses on structural safety, efficiency, and low-carbon design, combining digital tools, fabrication methods, and material science to shape the future of engineering.
As Professor of Engineering at Cambridge, I lead interdisciplinary education and mentor the next generation of structural engineers. I’ve co-authored key IStructE guidance on embodied carbon and zero-carbon design, and contribute to the Chartership process through research and development reviews.
I have worked with international firms, start-ups, and universities around the world, developing strong governance, vcommunication, and leadership skills. I understand the cultural, technical, and professional dimensions of engineering, and vwill use that experience to help the Institution deliver on its strategic and charitable objectives.
Q3: Describe any Institution activity/knowledge both regional and global (please include dates where possible):
2023- present : Chair of the Structural Awards Judging Panel.
2022 – present: Associate Editor for “Structures” Journal.
2023-2024: Member of the Digital Exams Task Group, which was established by the Examinations Panel to consider our examination methodologies, and reported to the panel in 2024.
2019 - 2024: Sustainability Panel, ordinary member. I co-authored key design guide “How to Calculate Embodied Carbon” (V1: 2020; V2: 2022; V3: 2025)
2020 - 2022: Elected to Council as an Ordinary Member, at a time of change in how the Institution supports members due to Covid Pandemic.
2015 – 2019: Membership Committee, supporting the work of the President and Institution panels.
2010 – 2017: Western Counties Regional Group including: 2010-2012 chair of the “Tuesday Group” - the Young Members Panel for the region. Main branch committee Assistant Secretary (2014-15), Junior Vice Chair (2016), Public Relations (2016-17), and Senior Vice Chair (2017).