Graduate Urban Designer Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes

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.

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.