After graduating, Tim spent two years in industry before completing postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge. He joined the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering at the University of Bath in 1997. In 2002, Tim spent a year in the United States on a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award.

He was promoted to Professor in 2003 and held the role of Head of Department from 2005 to 2008, and again from 2010 to 2013. Tim was Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) from 2008 to 2013 followed by Associate Dean (Research) from 2013 to 2017. After a year at Cambridge as the Sir Kirby Laing Professor of Civil Engienering, he returned to Bath in 2018.

Tim was President of the Institution of Structural Engineers in 2015, and he is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. He and his team have received six best journal-paper awards, including three each from the Institution of Structural Engineers and Institution of Civil Engineers.

Tim's research interests include the use of FRP to reinforce or strengthen concrete structures, the use of fabric to form innovative concrete structures, and the efficient use of structural materials in buildings. He is happy to supervise PhD students in any of these fields.