Mark Dix began working with AutoCAD in 1985 as a programmer for CAD Support Associates, Inc. He helped design a system for creating estimates and bills of material directly from AutoCAD drawings for use in the automated conveyor industry. This system became the forerunner of systems still widely in use today. In 1986 he began collaborating with Paul Riley to create AutoCAD training materials, combining Riley’s background in industrial design and training with Dix’s background in writing, curriculum development, and programming. Mr. Dix received the M.A.T in teaching from Cornell University and the M.S. degree in education from the University of Massachusetts. He is currently the Director of Dearborn Academy High School in Arlington, Massachusetts.

Paul Riley is an author, instructor, and designer specializing in graphics and design for multimedia. He is a founding partner of CAD Support Associates, a contract service and professional training organization for computer-aided design. His 15 years of business experience and 20 years of teaching experience are supported by degrees in education and computer science. Paul has taught AutoCAD at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell and is presently teaching AutoCAD at Mt. Ida College in Newton, Massachusetts. He has developed a program, Computer-aided Design for Professionals that is highly regarded by corporate clients and has been an ongoing success since 1982. With Mark Dix he has created text books for every release of AutoCAD since version 2.5 in 1987.