Instructor Bios
These are the kind folks that will be teaching you.
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.
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.
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.
Erika Epstein, AIA, has been having way too much fun with ArchiCAD since version 5.4. She has been an avid user and teacher of ArchiCAD and its BIM technology. She was an early member of the GDL Alliance and participated in the recent LA BIMstorm. On Architalk she has been a steady contributor to one of the greatest (and free) resources for all things ArchiCAD. She has worked on a variety of project types and sizes seeking and enjoying their diversity. Projects have ranged from an embassy to office buildings and Tenant Improvement, custom residential, hotels, a college master plan, a garden…and someday hopefully something in outer space.
Erika has several degrees from Cornell University including a B. of Architecture in 1980. Raised in Massachusetts she started work at The Architects Collaborative in Cambridge, MA. Later she moved to San Francisco to experience the west coast where she worked at Field/Gruzen and later Gordon H. Chong + Associates. After a couple of years back east splitting her time between New York City and Woods Hole, MA she returned to California. This time she came to Beverly Hills to work with Arthur Erikson. Eventually she started her own practice in Los Angeles where she still lives and works. She also quilts sketches and hikes.
John Stebbins, Associate AIA, is the founder and President of Digital Vision Automation, Inc. He has been one of the leaders in transitioning the building industry toward Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems for a number of years.
Digital Vision has been an Archicad Value Added Reseller in southern California since 1989 and was the second reseller chosen to represent ArchiCAD in the US. Digital Vision was awarded “International Graphisoft Reseller of the Year for 2004”.
John has taught multimedia and digital design classes 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 and homebuilding at Saddleback College, Chapman College, University of Wisconsin, and Ganahl Lumber School of Woodworking and Homebuilding.
He is a founding member of the GDL Alliance, an international network of skilled authors of 3D parametric objects for the building industry. The Alliance promotes the industry transition from 2D CAD symbols to smart 3D objects that simulate real building products.
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.