Name: Susannah Packer
Job title: Associate in the building and project consultancy team at Savills
What I do: Day-to-day, I manage the delivery of industrial development projects; from finalising planning and design, to delivering new builds or redeveloping existing assets. I’ve previously worked across the delivery, asset management and investment of real estate, primarily focusing on industrial land and built-form projects.
Why I got into the property industry: I fell into property completely by accident. I was offered a role as a temporary EA with a fantastic developer called Hesperia and recognised early on that I would be working with some very bright market leaders. They convinced me to stay in property and I quickly took on additional roles/responsibilities and eventually transitioned into a full-time project role.
How I did it: By always saying yes to new tasks, reading every document until it made sense and asking far too many questions!
My first proper job: My first proper job was actually in the superyacht industry, working for a firm that managed the charter, sales, refit and operations for a fleet of superyachts.
My first big break: Probably transitioning project-side in property development. It allowed me to focus my skills in one clear career direction.
My inspiration(s): I’ve been fortunate to work with some very bright people. I’ve always taken advice from my superiors and drawn creativity from market leaders in the industry. The best part about development is that you can usually innovate the design, delivery, or engineering of a project to improve the status quo.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: There have been a few. Managing the concurrent land and built-form delivery of a 37-acre project in Perth was a fun challenge, especially whilst also working through the divestment of the asset – it can be interesting trying to finalise service connections whist the infrastructure is still being installed!
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Professionally: probably accepting a nationally accredited award for my last project in Sydney. Personally: setting up a new life in London.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That all developers are out to ruin the world.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: Across many markets, the planning process is often very complex, involving extensive amounts of documentation and lengthy, bureaucratic review structures. I think this can stifle creativity, as teams can focus on minimising risk and working within previously accepted guidelines, rather than exploring innovative solutions.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: Property is a vast industry that welcomes a range of skills, personalities and experience, which is fantastic for DE&I. I’m a big supporter of females in development, having often been the only girl in the room. There are also several wonderful groups providing opportunities for those with differing educational backgrounds, abilities or experience, supporting access to full or part-time employment.
Why I’m so passionate about ESG: Personally, I adore nature, and I think it is one of our greatest gifts. Development is necessary and it must continue in order to maintain the cities that we know and love, but trying to find clever ways to make development sustainable is essential so that we can protect our environment in the long-term and build sustainable cities that we can all enjoy – including the next generation.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: Who knows – hopefully giving my director’s a run for their money!
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: Easy one – my dad, grandparents, David Attenborough, Eckhart Tolle and Elvis Presley for some great tunes.
What I do in my downtime: You can usually find me outdoors, keeping fit, hunting down new restaurants, exploring new cities, chasing the sun, or ideally, out on the water with family and friends.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: Possibly running my own business.
My advice for someone just starting out: Never be intimidated to ask someone for advice, a coffee or to share their story to help point you in the right direction. There are so many career paths within the industry and each can support differing skillsets and personalities. People are more than likely happy to help you find the best direction for your interests and personality.
My motto/mantra: You only live once
