Michael Hopkins co-founded Hopkins Architects with his wife Patricia Hopkins in 1976 and was one of the leading figures in the introduction of 'high tech' modern architecture into Britain. Early work was characterized by a sophisticated use of glass and steel, but the practice later changed emphasis to reflect architecture's mutability, taking traditional elements, such as stone and wood, and intelligently integrating them with advanced and environmentally responsible technology. 

Hopkins' contribution to the architectural profession has been recognised both with a CBE in 1989 and a Knighthood in 1995 for Services to Architecture. He was elected a Royal Academician in 1992, was a Trustee of the British Museum and is a past President of the Architectural Association. 

In 1994, Hopkins was awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects Gold Medal for Architecture with his wife Patricia. The same year he was awarded the Prince Philip Designers Prize.