In business since 1990, Theresa Casey is equal parts designer and scholar; she has degrees in design and art history, and studied in Florence, honing her artistic sensibilities. Today, she brings a “very hands-on approach” to her suite of large-scale residential projects, whether in this city or in the United States. Driven by her clients’ personalities, she encourages two elements—risk and individuality—“so that the spaces feel fleshed out by the people who live in them.” Hence, there is no cookie-cutter Casey style; whether the look is traditional or contemporary depends on the owners’ tastes, and any period influences Casey might encourage them to consider. In her own 1930s house, for instance, the designer installed reclaimed grill work salvaged from The Carlu site (formerly Eaton’s College Park). Her restoration of a significant historical house in Rosedale includes an exquisite oak mantel in the main foyer that was hand-carved by a European tradesman in the beaux arts style. Other projects are more 21st century, including a clean and serene neutral-hued flat screen TV–friendly sanctuary for an urban couple (a meld of flow and function); as well as work with subdued pale-on-pale tones, lavender accents, vintage wallpaper and Lucite on three floors of White Toronto, a sophisticated Hazelton Avenue bridal shop.