Sparks+Partners Joins PPI Group & Kicks Off Productive Partnership
Hello and welcome to The Rational Method Newsletter — a new space for sharing ideas, insights, and innovations shaping the future of hydraulic services and fire safety design.
Subscribe on LinkedInIn case we haven’t met, I’m Leon Dimino, MD and Hydraulic Engineer at Sparks+Partners Consulting Engineers. After more than two decades in the industry, I’m launching The Rational Method Newsletter to spark meaningful conversations and share practical knowledge around design thinking, emerging technologies, and sustainable practices in engineering.
Headlining my first article is some exciting news: Sparks+Partners Consulting Engineers has officially joined the Plumbing Products Industry Group (PPI Group) — and I’ve signed-up as our Industry Representative. And no, I haven’t stepped away from Sparks+Partners — quite the opposite. This new collaboration is about extending our impact, deepening partnerships, and contributing to the evolution of industry standards across Australia and New Zealand.
The article below recaps a powerful first step in this collaboration, including highlights from our inaugural strategy session with PPI and where we see the industry heading next.
Honestly, I’m not just excited — I’m thrilled to announce that I am now PPI Group’s Industry Representative for all things hydraulic engineering. A milestone that marks the beginning of an exciting collaboration to drive innovation in hydraulic engineering and plumbing standards.
Our journey with PPI Group has already gotten off to a dynamic start with a highly productive first Annual Operating Plan (AOP) in April. This strategic 3-hour session was the perfect opportunity to align our goals, define priority areas, and explore how PPI can support Sparks+Partners — while also identifying ways I can contribute to PPI’s broader industry initiatives.
The meeting was energising and forward-focused, covering key opportunities for collaboration, immediate actions to maximise impact, and how we can collectively address pressing industry challenges. From advancing hydraulic engineering standards to tackling issues like PEX piping adoption and Legionella prevention, we’re already shaping a roadmap for meaningful progress.
PPI’s commitment to thought leadership, government engagement, and industry-wide problem-solving perfectly complements Sparks+Partners’ collective technical expertise. I’m particularly excited about contributing to PPI’s Special Interest Groups and helping elevate best practices across Australia and New Zealand.
This partnership represents more than just membership – it’s about being part of a movement to strengthen our industry through collaboration, advocacy, and innovation. With a clear plan in place and shared enthusiasm from both teams, I’m confident this will be a transformative year.
A huge thank you to Nick Tripp and the PPI Group for your warm welcome. I can’t wait to see what we achieve together!