Ceramic matrix composite articles include, for example a first plurality of plies of ceramic fibers in a ceramic matrix defining a first extent, and a local at least one second ply in said ceramic matrix defining a second extent on and/or in said first plurality of plies with the second extent being less than said first extent. The first plurality of plies has a first property, the at least one second ply has at least one second property, and said first property being different from said at least one second property. The different properties may include one or more different mechanical (stress/strain) properties, one or more different thermal conductivity properties, one or more different electrical conductivity properties, one or more different other properties, and combinations thereof.