The present invention relates to a method for optimizing the design of a shape morphing structure using a genetic algorithm. The method includes defining design parameters of a surface having variable properties into a chromosome. The variable properties of the chromosome are the actual properties of the chromosome. The chromosome has a total of Nmax genes, where each gene corresponds to a variable property element in the surface. Additionally, each gene has n design parameters, wherein the design parameters are incremental changes to the actual properties of the chromosome. A genetic algorithm is employed to optimize the genes until a fitness level for at least one chromosome has been exceeded. When the fitness value for any chromosome in the population is above a predetermined threshold, then the design process is terminated and the final design solution[s] are the design parameters of the chromosome[s] that exceed the predetermined threshold value.