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appealing place. You realize how fascinating it is by actually engaging with it." That is what Koush has done with his own 1,500 square feet, which feels like a big idea indeed, embedded within a neighborhood of honest, historic, and functional domestic beauty. De las Cuevas seconds these ideas. "There are all sorts of places where people can build in these neighborhoods and not be totally disruptive, and not have to drive 30 miles or whatever [to work and for amenities]," he says. "We can live a very comfortable life in this house. We have two gardens. We have that huge deck out there. We have living space. We have a good kitchen with counter space. We have a huge studio for me. How many more rooms do I need?" The interiors are washed with diffused natural light. They brim with a roster of art and objects; when not on rotating display, they're installed in a masterful walk-in version of a butler's pantry called the Gift Shop that speaks to the memorable, treasure-laden liquor cabinet in the Menil House. In the Koush/de las Cuevas house, the curious and tantalizing contents include wheel-thrown ceramics by Ben's mom, Pam Koush, paintings by her mother, Elizabeth Herrold, and his own models from architecture school. In the living/dining space are sculptural furnishings, from 20th-century architectural classics to family heirlooms such as Koush's high chair fabricated by his paternal grandfather, a talented woodworker, and furniture designed by Koush. The result is a dwelling as layered as the community around it. "Now we are basically stakeholders in the neighborhood," de las Cuevas says. "You can complain about townhouses and awful McMansions being built everywhere. But if you can, you can try to build something else." Gravity chair by Peter Opsvik for Stokke Møbler, 1983. Koush salvaged the chair, and had it recovered in Cato wool by Knoll. Tall pedestal and marble-top side table designed by Koush. Small drawing in gilded frame by New York City artist Matt Kleberg (a descendent of the King Ranch family), from Hiram Butler Gallery. Luis de las Cuevas in his studio 109 (continued)