Zen Planning was founded by Sue Zhang, an experienced urban planner with 20 years’ experience navigating the twists, turns and occasional headaches of the Victorian planning system.

After two decades in planning, Sue knows that getting a project approved isn't always a straightforward journey. There are policies to interpret, authorities to negotiate with, referrals to manage, objections to consider and, of course, the occasional planning curveball. That's where Zen Planning Solutions comes in.

Sue established the practice with a simple goal: to make planning a little more zen. That means providing clear, practical and commercially focused advice, cutting through complexity and helping clients understand not just what the planning system says, but how to navigate it to achieve a successful outcome.

With experience spanning residential, commercial and industrial development, land use feasibility, strategic planning, greenfield developments and major infrastructure projects, Sue brings a broad perspective and a deep understanding of the Victorian planning system.

Known for her pragmatic, solutions-focused approach, Sue works closely with clients to identify risks early, develop smart planning strategies and find a clear path forward — particularly when projects are complex, contentious or require a little extra strategic thinking.

Because while planning itself may not always be zen, the process can be.