AYŞE SEDEF AYTER is an Istanbul-based freelance lighting designer with graduate (1996) and postgraduate degrees (1999) from Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department. She also graduated from Istanbul University State Conservatuary of Music, Department of Opera in 1999. 
Ayter studied stage lighting design at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA), "Stage Management and Technical Theatre" Course between 1999-2001. Following LAMDA, she worked as both a lighting designer and techician in London at various venues such as National Theatre and Royal Albert House in West End. 

After her return to Turkey in 2002, Ayter has been working as a lighting designer, producing freelance works for various disciplines such as theatre, dance, ballet, concerts and exhibitions both at home and abroad, participating in national and international festivals. The designer also worked as a project manager and technical consultant at Nefan Ltd. Şti., a company providing turn-key projects for multi-purpose venues. She was the Brand Manager for Istanbul Telesine Ltd. Şti., the official distributor of Martin Lighting in 2013. She worked as a freelance technical consultant for TOY Istanbul in 2016 and DasDas and Kültüral performance stages in 2017. Ayter worked as a lecturer on "Stage Lighting Design and Production Techniques" between 2004-2011 at Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts Departments of Acting and Modern Dance and Yıldız Technical University Department of Modern Dance, 2008-2012 at Galatasaray ITM Academy and 2014-2015 at Bilgi University. She also conducted various seminars on stage lighting design at many institutions such as Yeditepe University, Tiyatro Spot and GalataPerform.

In 2000, Ayter was nominated for White Light Lighting Bursary Award in UK. In 2001, she received the first Michael Northen Lighting Award in UK. In Turkey, she was nominated for Best Lighting Designer Award at Afife Jale Theatre Awards for her design works for "Othello" by Istanbul Municipality Theatre, directed by Şükrü Türen in 2002 and "Baldan Karanlık" by TOY Istanbul, directed by Kemal Hamacıoğlu in 2018. In 2019, she was nominated for Best Lighting Designer Award ay Yeni Tiyatro Magazine Theatre Awards for both of her design works for "Empatopya" by MaMart Theatre Company, directed by Oğuz Utku Güneş and "Altar" by Berika Collective, directed by Can Bora.
As the only designer and technical consultant with a degree on design and production skills, Ayter stands out as the first and only female lighting designer in Turkey.

Ayter is currently writing her doctorate thesis on "Stage Lighting and Dramaturgy" within the scope of Istanbul University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Theatre Criticism and Dramaturgy PhD. Programme and carrying out her works as a lighting designer, technical consultant and dramaturg.