About Us
Our Name
Inception means beginning.
We know we deliver the best outcomes when
we work with you from the start of your project.
Our Heartbeat Logo
For us planning is more than just a process,
it is equally about the relationships
we build along the way.
We care about you, the process, and the outcome.
Our Culture
Our culture is built on four simple rules:
Good People Only.
We want to be good people to work with –
honest, transparent, and approachable.
We look for the same in our clients and collaborators.
Meet Our Team
Leah Clark
Managing Director
Founding Inception Planning in 2019, Leah has used her expertise in all areas of planning and development to rapidly build one of the most efficient and successful planning consultancy services in the Ballarat region. A career driven ‘go-getter’ and mother of 1, Leah has a passion for professionalism and a strong desire to help others. Well known for ‘going-in-to-bat’ for customers when they encounter seemingly impossible planning problems, Leah is no stranger to a challenge.
Outside of work, Leah describes her family as ‘small, yet full of personality’. If you can’t find her hanging out with her parrot, Paddy or out on the town listening to live music, she’ll be at one of Ballarat’s finest dining establishments. Outgoing, confident and with a cheeky sense of humour, Leah can make the most difficult of planning processes, feel like a pleasure to tackle.
Stephanie (Steph) Durant
Principal Planner
Having completed a Masters in Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies Steph has an ability to see all sides and prepare a wicked argument due to her many years spent in the planning space. Steph’s motto ‘don’t believe everything you think’, has led to a lifelong love of learning and challenging herself.
Steph’s pragmatic approach to planning and her diligent and efficient work ethic ensure your project is in excellent hands. Relatable and empathetic Steph is easy to approach to discuss any questions you may have.
Steph’s quirky sense of style and a love of anything vintage always brightens up any meeting and when she isn’t dreaming of a South American getaway, you’ll find her cooking up a storm.
Jane Archer
Principal Planner
Having worked in the planning industry in several senior roles, Jane brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Inception Planning. Her cool, calm nature puts clients at ease. Cutting straight to the heart of a problem is a skill she undertakes effortlessly, making Jane the perfect fit for Inception Planning.
A busy mum of two little ones, Jane splits her time between pushing swings and providing planning advice, all fuelled by coffee.
Wanderlust has carried Jane to many parts of the world. A quick visit to her sister in London would be lovely, but you are just as likely to find her at a tropical paradise, with cocktails and a pool.
Sarah Fisher
Principal Planner
Sarah’s early career in natural resource management took an unexpected turn when a seminar sparked her passion for planning. And are we glad it did. Having worked close to two decades in local government, Sarah is now a leader in our field.
Serious about helping the next generation, Sarah has naturally become a go-to mentor for other planners. This doesn’t stop at the office door; outside of work you’ll find her braving the cold, mentoring junior netball coaches.
Supporting her belief that the longer she’s in planning, the more interesting it becomes, Sarah approaches every conversation with an open mind, knowing each project is unique. Her diligent, thorough approach is second to none.
A country girl at heart, Sarah’s favourite pastime is exploring the outdoors with her family, camera in hand.
