The use of bio-inspired approaches for nanoparticle self-assembly takes advantage of the natural tunability and addressability of encoded biomolecular interactions between particles. Using the tunable structural properties of DNA, and the addressable symmetry of genetically engineered proteins, we have investigated the ability to tailor self-assembly kinetics, assembly morphology, and interparticle distances in nanoparticle systems. With DNA at nanoparticle interfaces, we are able to fine-tune assembly kinetics, relative aggregate size and aggregate morphology by controlling the type, number, and the rigidity of the nanoparticles DNA-capping. In protein systems, we have utilized the novel three-fold symmetry of a series of genetically expressed knob domains of Adenovirus, for controllable particle assembly and functionalization. The observed control over assembly morphology and interparticle spatial properties in these systems may aid in the design and construction of increasingly complex nanosystems with desirable biomedical, optical and electronic applications.