Susan O'Connor Davis is an independent scholar and the author of Chicago's Historic Hyde Park (University of Chicago Press, 2013). She has long been enamored by architecture, interior design and history. Originally a Chicago Regional Manager at Knoll International, Davis went on to write on the architecture and urban development of two historic communities on Chicago's south side. Her work was the recipient of the Jean S. Block Award in recognition of Excellence in Scholarship related to the history of Hyde Park. Davis's own home, designed by John Vinci, was the recipient of the American Institute of Architects' Distinguished Building Award. Davis has also served on the University of Chicago Women's Board and as a member of the board of the Smart Museum of Art. She currently works with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, specializing in historic properties. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.