Graduate Urban Designer Review
at Savills
Graduate Scheme
Property Planning
Oxford
Review Submitted: September 2025
Overall Rating
4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.3/5
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Overview of the Role
3.6/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Savills?
It has been a positive experience overall. The graduate scheme encourages juniors to take leadership and contribute to projects in the same way as seniors. There are lots of opportunities to collaborate and grow within the team.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
The majority of the work involves making graphics using various software, and collaboratively making design decisions for schemes. I enjoy testing design options as it allows me to think creatively and logically while collaborating with my team.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
I am able to contribute my own ideas in the same way as senior team members.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
After a certain number of months at Savills, employer pension contributions increases. There are also other benefits including health services.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
4/5
I have been covering a range of projects at different scales, which will benefit me in my future career as an urban designer.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
4/5
I have developed my software skills over the year. I would like to explore more software which aren't used much by my team, including more advanced modelling and rendering software
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
Support is good, I am able to reach out when needed. I also have monthly catch ups with my mentor to monitor progress during my graduate scheme and mention any concerns or questions.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
Overall positive. Working overtime is quite rare, and my team value good mental wellbeing, giving me the space to speak up if I am being overwhelmed with work.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
3/5
I find that does vary between offices (eg. London vs regional offices)
How would you rate Savills initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
2/5
I find quite hard to get involved in such initiatives in regional offices, although it would be good to have this better represented across the offices.
How would you rate Savills CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
3/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Savills to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There are lots of opportunities in different fields, and there are opportunities to grow your career
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
Job description and assessment centre were similar to what is expected on the job
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Savills?
Specifically for urban design, have a strong portfolio which demonstrates your passion for masterplanning and creating valuable places for people.
