Ruth Lynford My Life in Design Author:Marlene Ann Birkman A autobiographical journey through the life of interior designer Ruth Lynford. Ruth Lynford graduated in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis in 1946. Ruth then set out for Manhattan with her first husband, Franklyn. She joined a leading architectural firm but quickly encountered prejudice as a woman in a male profession. Ruth th... more »en broke stride and stepped into interior design, which was then in its infancy.« less