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Graduate Urban Designer Review

at Savills

Graduate Scheme

Property Planning

Southampton

Review Submitted: September 2025

Overall Rating

4.9 /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!

5/5 - Overview of the Role
4.8/5 - Experience & Company Culture
5/5 - Recommendations & Advice

Overview of the Role

Overall, how would you describe your experience at Savills?
My overall experience at Savills has been very positive. I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of large-scale development projects, which has broadened my understanding of urban design in different contexts. Collaborating with various teams across the company has also helped me build strong professional relationships and learn from experienced colleagues. The diversity of work and supportive environment have made my time here both rewarding and valuable for my career development.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
As a Graduate Urban Designer, my initial responsibilities focused on supporting the team with graphical outputs and assisting in the presentation of site conditions and constraints—key elements that inform the early stages of the design process. Over time, my role has evolved to include more involvement in the design itself, as well as liaising with external consultants. This progression has allowed me to take on more responsibility and contribute more strategically to projects, which I find both rewarding and motivating.
What I enjoy most is being part of the creative process, especially translating site analysis into design ideas and seeing those ideas develop through collaboration. I also appreciate the opportunity to engage with external consultants, as it gives me insight into how different disciplines come together to shape urban environments.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
As a Graduate Urban Designer, I’ve had the chance to contribute to live projects, assist with design development, and participate in client meetings. These experiences make me feel that my work has an impact and that I’m a valued member of the team. The collaborative environment and regular feedback also reinforce that my contributions are appreciated and help shape the outcomes of our work.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
In addition to a competitive salary, the perks and company discounts add real value to the overall package. These benefits contribute to a positive work-life balance and make me feel appreciated for the work I do.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
I believe the role is preparing me well for my future career as an urban designer. It’s giving me exposure to real-world projects, helping me develop both technical and soft skills. I’ve had opportunities to contribute to design development, attend client meetings, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, which has deepened my understanding of how urban design integrates with planning and architecture. I’m also learning how to manage time, communicate ideas clearly, and respond to feedback—all of which are essential for my long-term growth in the field.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
I would rate my skill development as strong and ongoing. Through day-to-day responsibilities, I’ve significantly improved my communication and graphic presentation skills, which are essential in urban design. Formal learning opportunities like CPDs and lunch-and-learn sessions have deepened my understanding of different sectors within property and planning, and helped me build a better grasp of the planning system overall. I’ve also started to incorporate more inclusive design principles into my work, which I believe will positively impact the daily lives of people using the spaces we create. The combination of practical experience and structured learning has been instrumental in shaping my growth.

Experience & Company Culture

How is the support you receive?
5/5
The support I receive has been really encouraging. I’ve benefited from structured guidance through regular check-ins with my line manager and mentor, which help me stay on track with my development goals. There’s also a strong peer network, as many colleagues at a similar level are always willing to help with questions or share advice.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
My work-life balance is well-managed, especially because I work most days in the office. This routine helps me prioritise my time effectively and maintain a clear separation between work and personal life. Being in the office also allows me to stay focused, collaborate easily with colleagues, and complete tasks within working hours, which supports a healthy balance overall.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
The organisational culture at Savills has been welcoming and inclusive. Moving to a new town for the role, I felt supported from the start as my team and general office made it easy to settle in. As a person of colour, I’ve found the environment to be open and respectful, which has helped me feel comfortable and valued. The office culture encourages collaboration, and I’ve built connections with different teams through informal gatherings and shared activities. Overall, the atmosphere is friendly, professional, and supportive of personal and professional growth.
How would you rate Savills initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
I would rate Savills' initiatives around equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility very positively. As a person of colour, moving to a new town for the role could have been daunting, but I felt welcomed and supported from the start. The company fosters an inclusive environment where I’ve been able to thrive both personally and professionally. Initiatives like the 'Women in Property' talks have been especially motivational, and I’ve appreciated the flexibility to work remotely when visiting family. There’s also been support available for mental health when needed, which shows a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing and inclusion.
How would you rate Savills CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
The company actively supports colleagues through personal health-related donations and contributes to local charities that make a meaningful impact on the ground. I’ve seen how these efforts directly benefit communities and individuals, which makes the initiatives feel genuine and purposeful. The donation matching scheme is also a great way to encourage staff involvement and amplify support for causes that matter to us.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Savills to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would definitely recommend Savills to a friend, especially someone looking to start their career in urban design or property. It’s a great place to gain hands-on experience with real-life projects that have genuine impact. The learning curve is steep, but the support from mentors, peers, and managers makes it manageable and rewarding. The company offers a good salary, strong development opportunities, and a collaborative environment that helps you grow quickly both professionally and personally.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
The role has matched my expectations well. The recruitment process was clear and supportive. HR was friendly and informative throughout, helping me navigate each stage with confidence. The responsibilities and opportunities described during recruitment have aligned with my actual experience, and I’ve felt well-prepared and welcomed into the team from the start.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Savills?
My advice would be to be yourself and let your personality and passion for the role come through. During the assessment days and tasks, focus on showing your knowledge and approach to problem-solving. The recruitment team is also friendly and supportive, so use the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the company. Being genuine and prepared really helps you stand out.
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