Virginia Simeonova

Dr. Virginia Simeonova is a Chief Assistant at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG) in Sofia, Bulgaria, working in the Faculty of Architecture, Department of Urban Planning. She teaches a comprehensive range of courses from introductory urban planning for first-year students to advanced master's level projects in general development planning.

Dr. Simeonova earned her Doctorate (2017), Master's (2008), and Bachelor's (2006) degrees in Urban Planning, all from UACEG. Her educational credentials are supplemented by specialized training in academic teaching methodology and scientific research design completed in 2014.

Her research focuses on urban renewal, particularly the conversion of production territories in medium-sized Bulgarian cities. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent emphasis on Sofia's urban challenges, including industrial zone management, residential territory planning, and the impact of democratic governance on spatial planning. Her work demonstrates a strong connection between theoretical urban planning concepts and practical implementation in the Bulgarian context.

Dr. Simeonova actively participates in significant research projects including the current NeRu - New Ruralities project (2024), the URBiNAT project (2020) on regenerating unattractive urban areas, and has contributed to territorial research on Sofia's industrial zones (2022-2023). As a member of the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria (PPA), she maintains active professional practice alongside her academic responsibilities.

Her professional expertise includes structural design, strategic planning, and urban design consulting. Fluent in English, she has participated in international projects including the European 'leisurescapes' initiative (2007) and a seminar in Florence on urban space problems (2005).