During his employment at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) from 1979 Emeritus Professor Heath contributed to the education of design practitioners and design academics. Prior to becoming an academic, Tom was the director of a leading architectural firm based in Sydney, Australia.

He was highly respected both nationally and internationally for his knowledge and expertise in the areas of design theory and design research. In association he was an active member of professional bodies such as the RAIA and EDRA. During his career he published numerous articles and papers across a breadth of aspects pertaining to design as well as books on design methodology.

Emeritus Professor Heath was the Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment until 1991, and on his retirement in 1995, was appointed as Emeritus Professor at QUT.

His significance was tangibly recognised within the University when he passed away in 1998. through the establishment of the Tom Heath Gallery within the QUT Art Museum.

During his working life and to today his influence on the design community is extensive.