Savills UK Welcomes Citydesigner to Expand Heritage and Townscape Expertise Nationwide

Savills UK Welcomes Citydesigner to Expand Heritage and Townscape Expertise Nationwide

(IN BRIEF) Savills UK has acquired Citydesigner, a heritage, townscape, and architectural design consultancy founded in 1997 by Richard Coleman. The eight-member Citydesigner team joins Savills’ 350-strong UK planning consultancy, led by Henry Ryde, serving major London estates, developers, REITs, funds, insurers, and the Greater London Authority. Richard Rees highlights the firm’s strong reputation and project portfolio, while David Jackson emphasizes heritage planning’s role in sustainable development. Richard Coleman welcomes the expanded service offering and integration with Savills.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 1-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Savills UK has strengthened its UK Planning division with the acquisition of Citydesigner, an independent heritage, townscape, and architectural design consultancy based in Central London. This move augments our established heritage and townscape team, led by Henry Ryde, and bolsters our position as the largest planning consultancy in the UK.

Founded in 1997 by architect and heritage specialist Richard Coleman, Citydesigner was the first bespoke practice of its kind. Their eight-person team of architects, urban designers, and heritage consultants serves major London estates, developers, REITs, UK and international funds, insurers, and public-sector bodies—including the Greater London Authority—many of whom already partner with Savills.

“Citydesigner’s stellar reputation and track record on high-profile projects make this an outstanding addition to our 350-strong planning consultancy, spanning 23 UK locations,” says Richard Rees, Managing Director at Savills UK. “We’ve long admired Richard and his team, and we’re delighted to welcome them aboard.”

David Jackson, Head of Planning and Savills Earth, adds, “As the planning sector pivots toward sustainable economic growth, heritage planning is vital for promoting the reuse of existing buildings and delivering sustainable development. This acquisition comes at an exciting time to enhance our service offering for clients nationwide.”

Richard Coleman, Founder of Citydesigner, comments, “Joining Savills expands our capabilities and reinforces our commitment to achieving optimal planning outcomes through high-quality design on sensitive heritage projects. We look forward to integrating with Savills’ broad service range to benefit our clients.”

Media Contacts:

David Jackson
Head of Planning and Savills Earth, Savills Earth
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7420 6371

Henry Ryde
Director, National Head of Heritage and Townscape, Heritage and Townscape
Tel: +44 (0) 7773 753 192

SOURCE: Savills