Abstract Optimal level of hybridization and optimal closed-loop and open-loop control functions are determined for a symmetric, cross-ply laminate of hybrid construction. The objectives of the optimization problem are to maximize the fundamental frequency (design objective) and to minimize the dynamic response to external disturbances (control objective) with minimum expenditure of control energy. The design/control problem is formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem by employing a performance index which combines the design and control objectives in a weighted sum. The control energy is limited by taking a quadratic functional of the control force as a penalty term in this performance index. The plate is constructed as a sandwich hybrid laminate with outer layers of a high-stiffness material. Hybridization refers to the relative amounts of high and low stiffness fibers. Comparative numerical results are given for hybrid and non-hybrid laminates which indicate that although the hybrid laminate ...