Over the last several decades, our understanding of development has improved through the use of both dynamic, high-resolution imaging methods as well as snap-shot, high-throughput omics approaches. In parallel, computational modelling has helped make sense of all this data. Nevertheless, modifying development to engineer predicted outcomes remains a major challenge for the field. Re-engineering Symmetry Breaking in Development and Evolution (RESYDE) is a newly funded six-year ERC Synergy project that aims to generate a predictive understanding of development such that we can engineer it, using the flower as a model system. Specifically we will focus on the floral ground plan, which defines the number, position and identity of the four types of floral organs that typically develop. While aspects of this ground plan are stereotypical, it nevertheless varies greatly between species. RESYDE aims to re-engineer the floral ground plan of Arabidopsis and other species, not only to gain a better understanding of flower development but also, to better understand evolutionary transitions. Our approach leverages each lab’s unique expertise to create a novel, integrated methodological framework that is potentially transferable to other complex organisms. In addition to providing live-imaging expertise, the Heisler lab helps lay the groundwork for the project through recent findings on organ positioning and morphogenesis that help explain common features of plant architecture.