Various advanced nanostructured functional materials were designed and prepared by reversible deactivation radical polymerization using tools of macromolecular engineering. Copper-based ATRP (atom transfer radical polymerization) catalytic systems with polydentate nitrogen ligands are among most efficient reversible deactivation radical polymerization systems. Recently, by applying new initiating/catalytic systems, Cu level in ATRP was reduced to a few ppm. ATRP of acrylates, methacrylates, styrenes, acrylamides, acrylonitrile and other vinyl monomers was controlled by various external stimuli, including electrical current, light, mechanical forces and ultrasound also in water and open air. ATRP was employed for synthesis of polymers with precisely controlled molecular architecture with designed shape, composition and functionality. Block, graft, star, hyperbranched, gradient and periodic copolymers, molecular brushes and various hybrid materials and bioconjugates were prepared with high precision. These polymers can be used as components of various advanced materials. Special emphasis will be on nanostructured multifunctional hybrid materials for application related to environment, energy, healthcare and catalysis.