Farewell to an industry icon whose efforts and positive impact changed the interior design profession forever.

 It is with great sorrow we share the news of the passing of Ruth Lynford, interior design industry icon and recipient of NYSID’s Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts in 1999.   

“Ruth Lynford was a role model for me and others professionally in her drive, vision, intellect, and incredibly effective leadership. She knew how to bring people together to speak with a unified voice in support of a big idea, and to convince those in power to enact change.” – Ellen Fisher, NYSID Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean.  

Lynford passed away on December 3rd, 2021. In 1946, Lynford graduated with a degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. She then set out for Manhattan where she joined a leading architectural firm, but quickly encountered prejudice as a woman in a male-dominated profession. Lynford took it upon herself to start breaking the barriers put in front of female architects, and also expanded her focus to include interior design. She was actively engaged in the political process necessary to achieve recognition of interior design as a legitimate profession. Her efforts led to the successful passage of legislation recognizing interior design as the 33rd profession in New York State.

 Another one of Lynford’s significant achievements was the 1997 founding of New York 11, an exhibition of work from six New York metropolitan area interior design institutions. Now known as New York 11 Plus (NY11+), the 501(c)(3) corporation is dedicated to promoting public awareness of the interior design profession by providing a platform to showcase student work from prestigious New York State institutions offering four-year or more programs in interior design. By increasing visibility, it aims to emphasize the complexity and the responsibility of the profession particularly as it pertains to the health, safety, welfare and economics of the public.

 Among Ruth Lynford’s many accolades are induction into the Interior Design Hall of Fame, selected as “Design Icon” by Interior Design Magazine, and Founding President of Interior Designers for Legislation in New York (IDLNY).

 “Ruth Lynford is a legacy in her own right and the reason that Interior Design as a profession is the way that it is today. We remember her with great affection and respect, thanking her for her many contributions which will live on for years, decades, and centuries to come.” – David Sprouls, NYSID President.

Read Ruth Lynford’s New York Times obituary.