Suzanne Hirsch Binswanger, an influential interior designer known for her lifelong commitment to volunteerism and her embodiment of Jewish values, passed away in Philadelphia on July 14 at the age of 94.
Affectionately called “Suby” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Binswanger’s life was a blend of artful design and heartfelt connections, which shaped both the spaces she crafted and the lives of those she encountered.
Her early life was steeped in the moral and ethical teachings of Judaism, imparted by her parents.
“We grew up in a Jewish household that valued the morality and ethics of Judaism. My parents felt that it was those values, not the rituals, that mattered most,” recalled her daughter, Jody Binswanger Snider.
Born in Elkins Park in 1930, Binswanger was shaped by significant family events, including the passing of her father, Harold Hirsch, when she was just 15.
Her mother, Ruth Butler Hirsch, played a pivotal role in raising Suzanne alongside her two brothers, ultimately remarrying several years later.
Despite early heartbreak, Binswanger’s childhood was characterized by stability and a solid familial bond that persisted throughout her life.
Her formative years included attending local schools in Elkins Park, where she cultivated a keen eye for design that would later define her career.
In 1950, she married Frank G. Binswanger Jr., beginning a remarkable 72-year partnership filled with laughter, respect, and adventure.
Frank, who worked in commercial real estate, wholeheartedly supported Suzanne in her professional endeavors.
“She and my dad had an incredible relationship,” said daughter Eve Binswanger Wildrick.
“They traveled the world, laughed constantly, and made life fun — whether planning adventures or creating memories.”
One of their beloved traditions involved hosting themed costume parties, leaving lasting memories for their grandchildren.
“They had a fabulous costume closet,” granddaughter Remy Klein reminisced.
“One year, they came to my summer camp dressed as gorillas and filled the dining hall with bananas. They were hilarious, and they didn’t care what anyone thought.”
In 1962, Binswanger established Executive Interiors, which began as an art consulting firm at a time when such ventures were rare for women.
“She used to walk into people’s offices and see nothing but diplomas on the walls,” Wildrick explained.
“She believed spaces should inspire, and that’s what drove her work.”
What unfolded from her initial focus on art selection evolved into comprehensive interior design services.
Despite lacking formal training, Binswanger honed her craft through mentorship in a New York showroom alongside her unique design instincts.
“She had an incredible eye for color, space, and proportion,” Wildrick shared.
“There’s a part of design that’s just innate, and she had it.”
Her prestigious clientele included executive offices for prominent firms like Wolf Block Schorr & Solis-Cohen, Price Waterhouse, and even the last residential project of notable architect Louis Kahn.
Binswanger and Frank’s passion for antiques was evident in their shared collection of English creamware and decorative pieces, each chosen with thoughtful intent.
While Binswanger may not have been overtly observant in her religious practices, her Jewish identity remained important to her.
She was active in Reform synagogues, starting with Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park and later moving to Congregation Rodeph Shalom in downtown Philadelphia.
“She had very strong Jewish values,” Wildrick stated.
“She believed in doing good and being fair.”
Binswanger dedicated much of her time to various causes, being a founding member of Collab, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and supporting institutions such as the Barnes Foundation and the National Liberty Museum.
She also contributed to the Fox Chase Cancer Center, served on the board of the Butler Family Fund, and was involved with the Do Gooders, a local women’s philanthropy group.
“She stayed involved in the community and the arts,” Klein noted.
“She showed us what it meant to be engaged.”
That commitment translated into creating meaningful experiences for her family.
Binswanger and her husband took their grandchildren on worldwide excursions, intentionally blending travel with education and adventure.
“We went to China, Cuba, Africa, and Bermuda. They made sure we explored the world,” Klein shared.
Their annual Grandparents’ Weekend became a cherished tradition, strengthening family bonds.
“The grandchildren, now adults, are still best friends,” Wildrick reflected.
“That’s Suby’s legacy. She supported us in everything we did. She gave us the wings to fly.”
image source from：jewishexponent
