After earning a BA in English from the University of Colorado at Boulder and working in publishing and creative writing in New York and London, Ruthie moved home to Chicago where local fashion designer Jane Hamill introduced her to the world of design. Fashion design became interior design when Jane asked Ruthie to project manage the build-out of the new space for the Jane Hamill boutique on Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park.

With Jane's blessing, Ruthie pursued a BFA from the Harrington Institute of Interior Design. She worked for JP Interiors, where she gained invaluable experience in high-end residential interior design and decorating. Those projects were located through-out the city, as well as across the country. She has been working independently with her clients since January, 2008.