We develop approaches to control light using architected materials. While traditional optics can guide and shape light, their functionality and adaptability remain limited. To overcome these constraints, we engineer quantum materials, resonators, photonic crystals, and metamaterials that precisely control light, unlocking new regimes of light–matter interactions. Inspired by nature and guided by artificial intelligence, our designs accelerate discovery and enable unprecedented optical functionalities. Our light-driven manipulation platform enables freeform, sustainable manufacturing of these materials and their assembly into photonic integrated circuits. Advanced characterization tools link structure to function, revealing both the behavior of individual nanostructures and their collective emergent phenomena.