The development of new hybrid nanoplatforms which can combine optical properties of chromophores with inorganic nanomaterials is of increasing interest for biomedical purposes. Nanoparticles have been intensively investigated during the past ten years for similar applications, essentially for use as imaging contrast agent or drug delivery supports. A recent idea is to use them as multimodal probe with the aim to either combine diagnostic techniques or imaging and therapy. In this communication we describe the synthesis modeling and characterization of nanomaterials combining gold nanoparticles of different shape and size with chromophores. Two types of architecture will be presented, either chromophore included in capsules or chromophore surrounding the gold core. The impact of the architecture, size and morphology of the gold part on the spectroscopic properties will be discussed.