Friedman, née Shenberg, was born in Los Angeles to Nathaniel and Hortense Schenberg.
[3][4] In addition to curating exhibits on architecture and design, including the Walker's noted 1986 exhibition Frank Gehry, architect,[5] Friedman was also instrumental in shaping the remodeling and interiors of the Walker.
"[6] In addition to her role as Curator of Design, Friedman also wrote extensively and served as an editor for several exhibition publications.
[12] In addition to Frank Gehry, architect,[5] other notable shows include De Stijl, 1917–1931: Visions of Utopia[13] and Tokyo: Form and Spirit.
[14] The last show she curated, Architecture Tomorrow, was a three-year long series that ran from 1988 to 1991, ending after she retired.