Neil O’Connor, Principal
Before establishing Root Development, LLC, O’Connor was an Associate Trial Attorney at the law firm of O’Connor & Karnes in Chicago. He participated in all aspects of multiple litigation matters and gained admission to the Federal Trial Bar in 2005. Before working as an attorney, O’Connor was the Assistant Property Manager for O’Management, LLC, in Forest Park, IL. O’Connor holds a Master of Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California, a Juris Doctor from Northwestern School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. He is a licensed as both an attorney and real estate broker in the State of Illinois. Professional affiliations include the Urban Land Institute, the Building Owners and Managers Association, the Illinois Federal Trial Bar, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and the Native American Bar Association.

Cara Mullio, Principal
In conjunction with launching Root Development, LLC, with Principal Neil O’Connor, Mullio is a freelance writer and curator specializing in contemporary architecture projects. Publications include Long Beach Architecture: The Unexpected Metropolis (co-authored with Jennifer M. Volland), Trespassing: Houses x Artists and the forthcoming co-authored book, A Beautiful Nothing: The Architecture of Edward A. Killingsworth. Authored articles and essays appear in the Los Angeles Times, Arcade Architecture and Design Journal, and Two Minds: Artists and Architects in Collaboration. Mullio is often invited to lecture on issues of architecture and urban design for a variety of Los Angeles institutions. Previous work includes the directorship of The MAK Center for Art and Architecture at the Schindler House and consulting for architecture firms on business growth and development. She holds a Master of Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California and a Master of Arts in Architecture from the University of California. She is an active board member of the Society of Architectural Historians, Southern California Chapter, and member of the Urban Land Institute.