About John Staves
Chartered Structural Engineer | RAAC Repair Innovator | Expert Witness | Business Leader | The Structural Detective™
John Staves is a Chartered Structural Engineer. Founder and Managing Director of Michael Aubrey Barrow Ltd (Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers is a brand name of Michael Aubrey Barrow), where he leads a team of highly skilled specialists solving structural problems others can’t (or won’t) touch.
With a career defined by tackling complexity head-on, John blends deep technical knowledge with strategic insight to deliver robust, real-world solutions for commercial clients, developers, and public bodies.
John Staves BSc(Hons) CEng FIStructE MIoD
Chartered Structural Engineer
Founder and Managing Director
John and his team are widely recognised for developing innovative solutions to complex structural problems. Most notably, pioneering the UK’s first in-situ repair method for RAAC, helping building owners avoid costly demolition, minimise disruption, and keep their buildings safely operational.
As the creator of The Structural Detective™, the team specialises in uncovering the root causes of structural issues in existing buildings. Whether it’s unexplained cracking, concerns about stability, or the challenges of adapting older structures, they helps clients gain clarity, reduce risk, and make informed decisions with confidence.
Combing technical expertise with practical thinking, giving clients clear answers, sensible solutions, and peace of mind when facing difficult structural challenges.
In addition to leading innovation in RAAC repair and structural investigation, John is a former Vice President of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE). He has helped shape the national conversation on building safety and professional standards, particularly through his work with Working Group 9: Site Supervision, formed in the wake of the Hackitt Review.
John also acts as a trusted Expert Witness, offering fair, impartial, evidence-based advice in legal and technical disputes related to design performance, defects, and safety concerns. His clarity, integrity, and deep experience make him a respected figure in both the courtroom and the boardroom.
At the helm of Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers, John fosters a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and practical thinking. His team delivers thoughtful engineering that prioritises long-term safety, usability, and value especially in complex refurbishment or high-risk projects.
If you’re dealing with an ageing structure, unexplained building behaviour, or a high-risk challenge where getting it wrong isn’t an option, John Staves and The Structural Detective™ way of working are ready to help.
