Instructor and Consultant Bios
These are the kind folks that will be teaching you.
John Stebbins, Associate AIA, is the founder and President of two virtual design and construction companies: Digital Vision Automation, Inc. and 3D VirTec in Irvine, CA. He has been one of the leaders in transitioning the building industry toward Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems since 1989.
Digital Vision has been a 3D technology provider and software trainer in southern California for over 20 years and has been on the front lines of transitioning the Building Industry from 2D drafting to 3D BIM.
As a member of the AIA Orange County California Professional Practice Committee, John has facilitated a seminar series entitled “BIM in Practice,” a forum for local individuals and firms to share with other colleagues their experiences in implementing and leveraging BIM technology.
John has taught multimedia and digital design classes at UCLA Extension, and has provided computer training to numerous film industry professionals. He originated the first classes in multimedia at UCI Extension Digital Arts Program and developed and taught classes in sustainable design, solar energy, and homebuilding at Saddleback College, Chapman College, University of Wisconsin, and Ganahl Lumber School of Woodworking and Homebuilding.
John has earned a BS degree in Urban Planning from Iowa State University and has 12 years of experience as a residential remodeler and custom home builder. He spent three and a half years in Europe studying cultural history, the French and German languages, and was a European tour guide.
Rob Oberle is a skilled ArchiCAD user with over 10 years of experience. As a graduate of the Southern California Institute of Architecture his education exposed him to many different software applications and design techniques which enhanced his ability to explore and construct buildings virtually.
The practical experience of working in a mid size firm on large and small scale commercial projects is what allowed him to hone his skills in ArchiCAD, as well as the development and implementation of ArchiCAD Templates and Office standards. Over the past several years Rob has nurtured a growing passion for exploring and encouraging the transition of the AEC community towards Building Information Modeling systems. Rob is constantly seeking out and learning new software and tools that are on the cutting edge of this transition.
In his free time you can find Rob with his wife, 2 year old little girl, family and friends, enjoying the beach and nature that Southern California has to offer.
Mark Lee Christopher, AIA, educated at the University of Michigan and a licensed architect for over thirty years, started his practice in La Jolla, California in 1987. Since then, the firm has excelled in creating extraordinary buildings of consistent design quality and diverse styles.
Christopher’s experience, creativity and ability to discern exactly what a client is looking for is what has earned him numerous awards and most importantly, the loyalty and respect of his clients. Christopher values the integrity and lasting quality of good design and is committed to creating environments that are both beautiful and a joy to experience.
The firm first adopted ArchiCAD in 1988 and has remained one of the nation’s premier practitioners, fully committed to the complete integration of its capabilities with each facet of practice on every project of every scale. Their current emphasis is on multidisciplinary coordination, construction modeling, quantity surveys, and cross-platform interoperability. Christopher has a practical approach to the deployment of these technologies, as might be seen best from a principal’s perspective.
Rick Pennell, Associate AIA, started using ArchiCAD in 1993 while attending the University of Hawaii. He returned to the Phoenix area and started work at a local firm, and began supporting the local user group meetings. His project experience ranges from a large mixed-use retail pyramid structure, and aquarium, to commercial office and industrial buildings. Rick has assisted firms in the transition from 2D Cad programs to ArchiCAD and has taught classes at ArchiCamp. Rick has served as Associate Director for the Central Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He is the sole proprietor of Enthios, established in 2007.
Mike Hann, AIA, has been an avid user of ArchiCAD since 1998 and frequent contributor to Archicad-talk. He is a natural teacher and was hired as a teaching fellow during both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. Mike’s architectural work focuses on high end residential and he is the sole proprietor of the firm, Architectural Expression. Prior to establishing his own practice Mike worked for Kevin McKee Architecture in Boise, Idaho, Groth Architects in Oceanside, CA and Caitlin Kelley Architect in Solana Beach, CA.
Mike received his Masters of Architecture from the University of Oregon in 1998 and graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in biochemistry and cell biology in 1985. His free time is spent with family, outdoor adventure, travel, and dreams.
Melisa Pence, AIA, is a licensed architect with a broad range of project experience. As a part of the Sports Group at HNTB in Irvine from 1995 to 2000, Melisa worked on large Football stadium renovations and the design of new Minor League Ballparks. In addition to Sports Architecture, Melisa was involved in numerous Live Venue/Amphitheater and Hospitality projects. She joined Bauer and Wiley Architects, located in Newport Beach, in 2000, and has acted as the ArchiCAD in-house trainer, Project Architect, and Project Manager for renovations and new construction. Her experience at Bauer and Wiley includes interiors, education, and automotive/retail projects.
Melisa graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1995. While attending Cal Poly, she enjoyed a year of study abroad in Florence, Italy. Food, Wine and Travel have been her passions ever since. Melisa was raised in a bi-lingual household and is fluent in Spanish.