Ruth Lynford

Additional Information:

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Ruth Lynford received a Bachelor of Architecture degree

from Washington University in St. Louis 1946 and came to New York to pursue her goals as a design professional. When she realized that her role as an architect would be limited because she was a woman, Ruth pivoted and became an interior designer. As President of her own firm, she serviced a wide range of both residential and commercial clients helping them to accomplish their aesthetic and functional objectives. 

From the very beginning, Ruth’s career integrated a broad range of interests related to the world of design. She devoted much of her time to design education, serving, in 1973, as National Chairperson of the Education Committee of the American Society of Interior Designers. Likewise, she founded New York Eleven+ in 1996: a collaboration of now 13 prestigious New York State educational institutions offering four-year or more programs in interior design. 

Ruth led the effort to achieve recognition for interior design as a legitimate profession. To that end, she was responsible for the successful passage of legislation for the profession in New York State. These educational and political efforts were cited as significant contributions to the interior design profession in “Women of Design” by Beverly Russell.

Over the course of many years Ruth received numerous honors and awards for her work in design, including: 

• Distinguished Alumni Award from the Washington University in St. Louis

• Honorary Doctorate Degree from New York School of Interior Design

• Fellow of the ASID (National American Society of Interior Designers)

• Leadership Award of Excellence from IIDA (International Interior Design Association)

• Inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 1990

Ruth was married and widowed three times and lived in New York City until the time of her passing. She is survived by her children: Jeffrey (Tondra), Lance (Marion), Leslye, and Lloyd; 10 grandchildren: Victoria (Jan), Drew, Kirsten (Jane), Dylan, Alex, Ben, Hugh (Jessica), Rachel, Sophie (Isaac), and Julia (Chris); and 3 great-grandchildren: Lucas, Celeste, and Penelope. She also had numerous step children, grand and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the College of Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis.