Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Organization Memberships
Timeline
Generic

Sümeyra Catal

Tartu

Summary

Urban planning professional with nine years of comprehensive education and ten years of specialized experience in city and regional planning. Holding a bachelor's degree in urban planning from Yildiz Technical University and a master's degree in urban and regional planning from Suleyman Demirel University, I have developed extensive expertise in environmental planning, urban development, and regulatory compliance. My career spans multiple regional directorates in Turkey, where I managed the review and approval processes for 1/100,000 scale environmental plans while serving as both an urban planner and department head. For over four years, I have been established in Estonia, where I have achieved B2 proficiency in Estonian, managed our family business, and completed the "Spatial Planning" micro-credential program at the University of Tartu to align my skills with Estonian planning standards. I am proficient in technical software including AutoCAD, NetCAD, and ArcGIS, complemented by strong analytical abilities, teamwork skills, and adaptability to new environments. With my international perspective, technical expertise, and genuine passion for contributing to Estonia's urban development, I am positioned to bring valuable insights to planning initiatives that support sustainable growth in my adopted country. My experience navigating complex planning regulations and implementing urban transformation projects makes me a strategic addition to any planning team seeking both technical competence and innovative thinking.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Small Shop Owner, CEO

ELIFIMAITSEMAJA OÜ
11.2021 - Current

Key Responsibilities:

  • Oversee cafe operations, financial management, and strategic planning
  • Develop business growth strategies while maintaining brand quality
  • Manage supplier relationships and team of employees
  • Create menu offerings based on customer preferences and market trends
  • Ensure regulatory compliance and lead marketing initiatives
  • Measurable Results:
  • Increased annual revenue by 35% over two years
  • Maintained 4.8/5 star rating with 95% positive customer feedback
  • Established local supplier partnerships reducing costs by 15%

Advisor for University Students on Thesis Writing

Private Individual
06.2016 - 05.2019

Key Responsibilities:

  • Guided urban planning students in thesis development and research methodology
  • Provided feedback on drafts and technical aspects
  • Assisted with academic writing and defense preparation

    Achievements:
  • Successfully guided 25+ students to graduation
  • Specialized in environmental planning research
  • Developed effective thesis framework improving student outcomes

Urban Planner and Department Head

Burdur Province Environmental and Urbanization Directorate
06.2012 - 08.2016


  • Key Responsibilities:
  • Managed review processes for 1/100,000 scale environmental plans for Burdur province
  • Evaluated development applications within environmental regulatory framework
  • Led Erasmus-funded urban transformation project focusing on sustainable strategies

    Measurable Results:
  • Processed 200+ company applications with 98% environmental compliance
  • Reduced approval times by 30% through streamlined procedures

  • Supervised team of 12 planners, meeting all targets
  • Implemented GIS tracking system improving documentation accuracy by 40%
  • Developed urban guidelines adopted by 5 municipalities

Urban Planner and Department Head

Ardahan Province Environmental and Urbanization Directorate
01.2010 - 06.2012


Key Responsibilities:

  • Directed review and approval processes for 1/100,000 scale environmental plans for Ardahan province
  • Assessed new development applications from companies for compliance with environmental planning regulations


Measurable Results:

  • Managed the review of approximately 150 planning applications, ensuring 100% adherence to environmental regulations
  • Led development of regional environmental planning standards that reduced application rejection rates by 25%
  • Coordinated inter-departmental collaboration resulting in 35% faster processing of complex applications
  • Introduced digital documentation protocols that improved records management efficiency by 45%

Urban Planner

Isparta Municipality
07.2005 - 07.2009

Key Responsibilities:

  • Designed urban green spaces, parks and playgrounds
  • Managed urban plan review processes as committee secretary
  • Created designs for parks and road intersections
  • Processed building permits and conducted compliance inspections

    Measurable Results:
  • Implemented 7 green space projects increasing recreation areas by 15%
  • Processed 200+ plan approvals with 30% faster approval times
  • Redesigned 3 intersections reducing accidents by 40%
  • Cut permit processing time from 30 to 18 days
  • Improved inspection efficiency by 35% through digital documentation

Education

micro-degree program - Urban Planner

University of Tartu
Tartu
03.2025

Doctoral Studies - Planning and Design

Suleyman Demirel University
Isparta
07.2016

Master's Degree - Urban and Regional Planning

Süleyman Demirel University
Isparta
09.2010

Bachelor's Degree - Urban Planning

Yildiz Technical University
Istanbul
06.2005

Skills

    Technical Proficiency

    Experienced in CAD Software and GIS Applications

    Expertise in Data Visualization Tools

    Cross-Departmental Planning Management

    Technical Writing Skills

    Analytical Problem Solver

    Cross-Cultural Communication Skills

Languages

Turkish
Proficient
C2
English
Upper intermediate
B2
Estonian
Upper intermediate
B2

Organization Memberships

  • NGO Zonta Tartu Club
  • NGO Satu Dialoog

Timeline

Small Shop Owner, CEO

ELIFIMAITSEMAJA OÜ
11.2021 - Current

Advisor for University Students on Thesis Writing

Private Individual
06.2016 - 05.2019

Urban Planner and Department Head

Burdur Province Environmental and Urbanization Directorate
06.2012 - 08.2016

Urban Planner and Department Head

Ardahan Province Environmental and Urbanization Directorate
01.2010 - 06.2012

Urban Planner

Isparta Municipality
07.2005 - 07.2009

micro-degree program - Urban Planner

University of Tartu

Doctoral Studies - Planning and Design

Suleyman Demirel University

Master's Degree - Urban and Regional Planning

Süleyman Demirel University

Bachelor's Degree - Urban Planning

Yildiz Technical University
Sümeyra Catal