Feature
Finding Home
Soud Twal, a top national realtor, and his wife, Tiffany, chose to settle in Mueller for its sense of community, warmth, and energy.
This content was created in partnership with Thinkery.
On any given day in Mueller, curiosity is everywhere. Children test ideas, ask questions, and discover on their own. Long before benchmarks or career paths appear, these moments shape how children think, solve problems, and begin to see themselves as capable learners.
At Thinkery, curiosity is the starting point for every experience.
Located in the heart of Mueller and welcoming families from across the Austin area, Thinkery is a hands-on children’s museum where learning happens through play. Children move from tinkering with simple machines in the Innovators’ Workshop to exploring light and color in the Light Lab. Each experience is designed to spark imagination, encourage exploration, and make learning fun and meaningful.
STEAM Learning
Through play-based STEAM learning, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, children engage with these disciplines as connected ways of thinking rather than separate subjects. They investigate the world around them, use technology to design and test ideas, apply engineering principles to hands-on challenges, express ideas creatively, and use math to reason and solve problems.
We do not teach subjects in isolation,” says Alexa Clavijo, Senior Play & Learning Manager at Thinkery. “STEAM is a mindset. It is about creativity, problem solving, and making connections to real life.”
Thinkery’s exhibits and programs invite children to take risks, ask questions, and learn through trial and error. Spaces are intentionally designed so every child feels welcome and empowered. Children work with real tools, including scissors, cardboard cutters, robotics kits, and circuit blocks, transforming ideas into tangible creations and building confidence as they learn how things work.
Play Builds Skills for Life
Play is not a break from learning. It is how learning happens. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play supports physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development while strengthening executive function and problem-solving skills. Research from LEGO Education shows that hands-on learning is more engaging and effective than traditional instruction.
When adults encourage curiosity through play, children practice decision making, collaboration, communication, and adaptability. These skills extend far beyond childhood and remain valuable no matter how technology or careers evolve. At Thinkery, play is the foundation for developing these lifelong abilities.
Balancing Exploration and Structure
Finding the right balance between open-ended exploration and guided learning can be a challenge for caregivers. At Thinkery, the two work together. Open-ended experiences allow children to follow their interests, while educator guidance, thoughtful prompts, and intentionally designed spaces deepen learning.
Caregivers are encouraged to participate by observing, narrating, and extending play at home. These shared experiences strengthen family connections and reinforce the idea that learning can be enjoyable, ongoing, and accessible.
Learning for Every Child
Thinkery primarily serves children from birth through age 11, but its play-based approach supports a wide range of learners. Children engage at their own pace, develop social and cognitive skills, and learn alongside peers. Neurodivergent children and those with different learning styles are encouraged to follow their interests and take the lead in their learning experiences.
Supporting Families and Educators
Caregivers are essential partners in learning, and Thinkery offers a welcoming space beyond home and school where families can play and learn together. Recognizing that play is learning helps relieve the pressure to create perfect activities. Simple moments, like stacking blocks or exploring balance, support language development and strengthen family bonds.
Thinkery also extends its impact through the STEAM Learning Institute, which partners with educators, researchers, and community organizations to study play-based, child-centered learning. This work supports professional development and brings innovative, inclusive approaches to classrooms and learning spaces across Central Texas.
At Thinkery, every visit invites children to explore, invent, and learn. The 40,000-square-foot museum offers hands-on exhibits and other programs, including family nights, field trips, and birthday celebrations. As part of the LEGO Playful Learning Museum Network, Thinkery draws on global research to ensure experiences remain engaging and relevant for all children.
Visit Thinkery in Mueller to explore exhibits, join programs, and celebrate learning through play. To learn more about Thinkery memberships, which include free general admission, exclusive benefits, and flexible options for families of any size, visit www.thinkeryaustin.org.
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When Soud Twal and his wife, Tiffany, met over a decade ago as college students in New York, they couldn’t have predicted how far their journey would take them, or how this journey would eventually lead them to Mueller. They were inseparable in college and married soon after. Now part of a family of four, including two daughters, one a newborn, Twal feels like he has finally found home. Moving to Mueller is a decision the couple made with purpose, driven by both personal dreams and a deep understanding of long-term investment.
“We moved here for the lifestyle and the community,” says Twal. “As a dad, that means everything. Mueller strikes the perfect balance of warmth and energy. You just feel it.”
Before launching his real estate career, Twal spent five years in the fast-paced world of software sales in Manhattan. That part of his career sharpened his business mindset and negotiation skills. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. Roughly six years ago, he made the move to Austin and pivoted into real estate. “I wanted to combine my love of people, property, and the strategy behind long-term investing,” he says. The gamble paid off. Now with Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, Twal ranks in the top 1% of agents in Central Texas and the top 1.5% nationally. But despite his success, his business remains deeply personal. “I bring a full-service, concierge-level approach to every client,” he says. “Whether you’re buying your first condo or selling a million-dollar home, I want you to feel like you’re my only client.”
Peace and Convenience
The decision to settle in Mueller wasn’t just about real estate. It was driven more by lifestyle. They were looking for a neighborhood that felt safe, diverse, vibrant, and walkable. Mueller checked all those boxes and more, offering suburban peace in the middle of a major city. With Mueller’s trails, tranquil parks, and a strong sense of community, the neighborhood quickly became more than a backdrop. It became a part of their family’s story.
“We love seeing neighbors at the park, walking to dinner, and supporting local businesses. There’s a true sense of connection here.”
While the Austin market continues to shift from the frenetic pace of the record highs of recent years, Twal believes Mueller holds a unique position. “We’re seeing higher inventory and the highest interest rates in a decade,” he explains. “That’s making buyers more intentional. They’re taking their time, doing the math, and only moving on homes that are priced right and offer real value.” Still, Mueller continues to outperform many other parts of the city. Because of the home types and square footage available here, the demand stays strong. Well-priced homes don’t sit for long.
That hyperlocal distinction is one of the biggest lessons Twal has learned in his real estate career. “People talk about the ‘Austin market’ like it’s one thing, but real estate is truly neighborhood specific. What’s happening in one zip code can look totally different from another just a few miles away.”
A Bright Future
He credits the interest people have in Mueller to both the design of the community and its ongoing commercial development. He feels that as more people discover Mueller, and as new restaurants, shops, and offices continue to open, demand will only grow. Looking ahead, Twal sees a shift toward balance and sustainability. “The frenzy may have cooled, but that’s a good thing. We’re moving into a more normalized pace of appreciation and growth. Success is all about proper pricing and partnering with the right agent and brokerage. When you get those things right, you’re setting yourself up for a great outcome.”
Beyond market trends and sales figures, what drives Twal most is the opportunity to help other families plant roots. Whether working with buyers, sellers, or curious neighbors, he’s passionate about being a resource and advocate for the neighborhood. “This is a long-term investment in both lifestyle and community for us. I plan to be here for the long haul and to help others make Mueller their forever home, too.”
Outside of real estate, you can often find Twal walking the trail at Mueller Lake Park, chasing his daughter through one of the area’s many playgrounds, or grabbing coffee from a local café. “I’m proud to live here,” he says. “This is where I’m building my life, and I want to help others do the same.”