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ALUM Spotlight Linda Figg '81

Next time you cross an architecturally inspiring bridge, pay attention: it may be the handiwork of your fellow alum, Linda Figg '81. Figg's Tallahassee, Fla.-based Figg Engineering Group is recognized internationally for its bridge designs – famous not only for its creativity, but also for cost-effective, innovative construction techniques.

Linda pioneered Design Charettes, a unique community consensus program that fosters input from members of the local community on design elements for their bridge project. The community-selected theme "Timeless Ecology" influenced the evolution of the Broadway Bridge in Daytona Beach into an art gallery with 36 glass mosaic murals depicting wildlife installed across the span of the bridge, with more mosaic murals around the base of the bridge piers for boaters passing underneath.

The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded only five Presidential Design Awards, and three of them belong to Figg customer bridges. In the presentation of the first Presidential Award for a bridge, President Ronald Regan said, "Linn Cove Viaduct is not just a roadway on North Carolina's Grandfather Mountain; the viaduct has been designed so that it belongs to, and is part of, the mountain." Other famous Figg bridge designs include the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa, FL, the Natchez Trace Parkway Arches near Nashville, TN, the Seven Mile and Long Key Bridges in the Florida Keys.

In 2006, AU presented Linda with the Engineering Achievement Award.

Q. Please tell us about your company and how you decided to pursue engineering for your career.

A. Figg Engineering Group (FIGG) is a family of engineering companies specializing in bridges. FIGG has bridges throughout the United States and in other countries. Our philosophy is "Creating Bridges as Art." This unique approach to bridge design has resulted in our customers receiving 253 awards for aesthetics and innovation, including three of the five bridges ever honored with the Presidential Award for Design Excellence through the National Endowment for the Arts. These bridges are the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay, Florida; the Blue Ridge Viaduct around Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina; and the Natchez Trace Parkway Arches near Nashville Tennessee. In Alabama we designed the Dauphin Island Bridge near Mobile and we have recently been working on concepts for an elevated roadway for US 280 in Birmingham. Our National Headquarters is in Tallahassee, Florida and we have regional offices in Fairhope, Alabama; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

I decided to pursue a career in engineering because I always had a fascination with bridges, and throughout my education math and science were some of my favorite subjects. My father, Gene Figg, was an engineer who started the company while I was in engineering school at Auburn. When I completed my education at Auburn I joined the firm and worked with my father for 20 years before taking over as President/CEO five years ago. My father was a great inspiration to me and helped me see the value of a career in engineering. It is rewarding to see the greater good that engineers bring to society in improving the quality of life for communities.

Q. What is the most exciting and rewarding aspect of your career?

A. There are so many exciting and rewarding aspects of creating bridges. Just knowing that a beautiful bridge that we created is making a difference in peoples lives is very satisfying. Improving mobility helps people have more time to spend with their families and makes it quicker to handle emergencies. The beauty of a bridge improves the economy of an area and inspires people to appreciate the good in our communities. In engineering we deal with developing positive solutions that are tangible in people's lives. We design bridges that connect people in many ways and that is both exciting and rewarding.

Q. Which bridge was your most favorite project?

A. I get asked this question a lot. To say that they are all my favorite seems like a silly answer, but it is really true. It is like how can a parent select a favorite child? Each one is different, special and has its own remarkable qualities. Each bridge has a story, a one-of-a-kind journey that resulted in the final characteristics that make it memorable.

Q. Why did you choose Auburn?

A. I will never forget the day that I chose Auburn. It was snowing on campus that day. My father took me to visit the Auburn University Engineering School and planned a full day of meetings with professors. We toured the campus, went to the bookstore, walked to Toomers Corner and it didn't take long before I knew this was the perfect place for me. The friendly people and charming atmosphere made me feel welcome. Half way through the day I told my father, "I've decided, this is where I want to go to school." He smiled and agreed. I guess he knew I would like it all along, or secretly hoped I would, because he did too. When I go back on campus to visit it brings back fond memories and the reminder that I made the very best choice!

Q. What is your best Auburn memory?

A. My best Auburn memories come directly from all the friendships that I made. We had a study group of people in engineering school that became good friends. It made studying more of an event and an opportunity to help each other learn more. Other great memories are the concrete canoe we built, running and getting elected Vice President of the Engineering School, the professors who gave daily encouragement, going to football games all dressed up, being a rush counselor, being a little sister at Farmhouse Fraternity, parties in dorm J, and well, most of all, the day that I was so proud to receive my civil engineering diploma! The overall experience of college life at Auburn created lasting memories and the tools to prepare me for the adventures that life had ahead.