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.
Jane Archer
Principal Planner
After completing her Masters in Urban Planning from the University of Melbourne Jane moved to regional Victoria and has never looked back. Having worked in rural and regional councils in several senior roles, Jane brings experience and expertise to Inception Planning.
Her friendly and calm nature instils confidence in her clients. She efficiently evaluates proposals, identifies key issues, and builds a strong argument for your proposal. Always striving to get great outcomes for her clients, she is a dedicated advocate.
Wanderlust has carried Jane to many parts of the world, her love of travel first sparked her interest in planning, seeking to understand what makes a place great. Now a busy mum she’s happy discovering and enjoying places closer to home.
Sarah Fisher
Principal Planner
Sarah studied and worked in natural resource management before returning to study and commencing her planning career. This combination of study and career experience have proven time and again to be complementary and continue to bring a depth to Sarah's work that is perfectly suited to the wide-ranging work at Inception Planning.
She has a career spanning more than 15 years in local government, along with several years in the private sector, giving her a well-rounded and in-depth understanding of the planning process.
She approaches each project with an open mind, recognizing that every proposal is unique and strives to achieve the best possible outcome; her diligent and methodical approach is highly regarded.
Courtney McCaw
Administration and Projects Coordinator
Courtney came to Inception Planning with extensive experience in the construction sector, where she developed her passion for town planning. She is now undertaking her Masters in Urban Planning & Design and is excited to transfer her knowledge in the future.
Her background, and keen organizational skills allows her to project manage post permit conditions and the subdivision process for our clients. She is also the friendly voice you will hear on the phone, and prides herself on providing the highest level of customer service.
Out of the office, you will find Courtney always on the go, whether it be on the netball court or coaching calisthenics, she loves nothing more than being active.
Meet Our Collaborators
