Industry Evolution: Hydraulic Services
By Josh Frew, Senior Hydraulic Engineer
Team insights on the evolution of engineering over the decade
The evolution of hydraulic services over the decade has been remarkable. What once began with A1 prints of architectural drawings, marked up by hand, has transformed into a world of digital precision.
Early in my career, Leon and Bruno guided me through the coordination process, using light tables to overlay drawings. Those days felt like a hands-on masterclass—every day was an opportunity to learn and perfect the craft.
As technology advanced, so did Sparks+Partners. By 2017, we had introduced 2D annotations and drafting with AutoCAD, and within a year, most of the team transitioned to Revit, thanks to in-house training led by our BIM expert, Bruno Lara-Alvarez.
By mid-2018, our team had the opportunity to work on 3D-modelled design projects, replacing traditional A1 drawings with highly accurate models.
Since then, our business has fully embraced Revit for both 2D and 3D design, significantly improving our coordination capabilities. This shift has allowed us to work closely with suppliers, ensuring precise 3D objects, such as hot water tanks and fire collars, are integrated early in the design process. The ability to account for spatial requirements from the outset has been a game-changer.
The introduction of clash detection tools has further refined our approach. It empowers us to uphold the principle of design THEN construct rather than design AND construct. We can deliver completed designs before construction commences to prevent costly errors of the past when the design and build processes were simultaneous and cumbersome.
Tools like Revizto and Navisworks give project teams access to detailed 3D models instantly from any device—far removed from the days when clients would visit our office to pick up printed drawings.
The industry has evolved, and so have we.
It has been a privilege to change and improve alongside this dynamic sector, adapting to new technologies, processes, and people while keeping the core principles of good design and coordination at the forefront. If the next ten years see hydraulic services design progress at an equal rate to the previous decade, the future is bright.