A single-step method of generating a three dimensional (3D) printed article includes: selecting a first metastructure and a second metastructure; designing and constructing a first transitional metastructure that transitions from the first metastructure to the second metastructure; depositing a first layer comprising the first metastructure; seamlessly connecting the first and first transitional metastructures by depositing a first transitional layer comprising the first transitional metastructure on the first layer; and seamlessly connecting the first transitional and second metastructures by depositing a second layer comprising the second metastructure on the first transitional layer.