Interview with Thomas Hopkins of Hopkins Design
Let's meet Thomas Hopkins of Hopkins Design, an award-winning architecture studio based in South London.
What studies or training did you pursue to become an architect?
Franco-Welsh but educated here in London at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL.
What was your career path leading up to your work today?
After graduating I found myself building my skills in various large practices along Clerkenwell Road (including Grimshaw), until finally ending up on Old Street for a few years.
Why did you choose this profession, and what makes you love your job?
For me personally, it is simply being in a profession where you create. There is a certain 'physically' to what we do. I distinctly remember in Architecture school, the first time I made a model of design that had previously been only in the computer; there is a certain 'je ne sais quoi' of an idea finally manifesting itself physically. I also love drawing with ink on trace ... so much fun.
What are the difficulties that you encounter in your work?
We all have Zoom and MIRO-fatigue and it is something we are all recovering from and somewhat still enduring. We are very excited to have found a new permanent space now that things relaxed a little and looking forward to being sat at a table with a roll of trace and some ink.
For you, what is an architect’s main role?
We see ourselves as purveyors and sculptors of spaces. Sometimes architecture can get lost in the myriad of practical obligations. We do have a multiplicity of responsibilities, environmental, statutory and societal, to name a few, but our job is to create opportunities for compelling beautiful spaces out of unexpected moments despite all of these. Poetics and sculpture are so important in our line of work.
In your opinion, what talent or quality is particularly essential for an architect to have?
Patience and perseverance. It is a slow-moving industry, sometimes you need to remind yourself of this, especially when you just come out of architecture school and you are all fired up to change the world.
What does your job consist of?
We are design-led practice, meaning we constantly test ideas by making models and drawings. We constantly investigate, study and develop new approaches to design problems. Our work's success often is a result of forging a strong relationship and collaboration with our clients, understanding their personality and aspirations, whilst guiding them through the process of design, holistically from concept, to planning and construction.
What motivates you the most in your profession?
Creating beautiful spaces for people to enjoy.
What project do you remember best?
I don't know about 'best remember' but most 'found of would' probably have to be our twin villas in the French Alps near Geneva. This project is an amalgamation of what we enjoy doing: finding a great client that trusts us, exploring ambitious architecture that is informed from its local heritage but expressed in a contemporary way, all while being sustainable. We are made use of prefabricated CLT panels, geothermal energy and water recycling all to minimise onsite construction, carbon footprint and operating costs.
What is your favourite city?
That's a very hard one... but Sienna comes to mind. I remember being mesmerised by that city when I was a child. Besides that London, it is beautifully diverse, home to some very talented young people and very much at the heart of the conversation of where architecture is going.
If you had to build a new house for yourself, what would it be like?
I think I would be my worst client ! Constantly changing everything and being indecisive, would be a fun exercise though.
Where do you find your inspiration?
By seeing, touching and experiencing architecture. It is the first thing we talk about with our students. I also think that art is deeply rooted in architecture. Having said that, inspiration is really all around us and sometimes it's the simple things, which could go unnoticed, that provide incredible inspiration.
How would you define the relationship between an architect and his or her client?
Feeling that the match is right is really important. Not all architects are the same, and neither are clients. Trust and communication are vital to forging a safe space, where conversation can take place. Through conversation, it is then possible to iterate ideas together.
What are your specialities in your field?
Sustainability and environmental awareness in how our work is designed and delivered. We achieve this by using advanced computational design and simulation software, giving us full control over how the building will perform and run.
Your favourite mobile app at the moment?
We do enjoy a good pic’ for the ’gram.
A little message that you’d like to send to your future clients?
We look forward to meeting you :)