Everything different: In conversation with Toni Black

This article first appeared in Mix Interiors #233

Words: Natasha Levy

On the morning that I meet Toni Black, partner and interior director of Blacksheep, I get lost. The branding, interiors and architecture studio is based inside The Leather Market: a sprawling Grade II-listed building close to London Bridge station that traded animal hides during the 19th century, but now home to offices. After navigating my way past a confusing door buzzer, several flights of stairs and a winding corridor, I eventually locate Black, who greets me with a hug and reassuringly admits she often finds it tricky getting into the building herself.

Warm and down to earth, Black is far from the pretentious, too-cool-for-school types who are easy to come by in the creative industries. “For me, design shouldn’t be snooty – Blacksheep doesn’t turn our noses up at things, we’re here to learn, develop and understand,” Black says after we settle in at the on-site cafe. “Taking away that level of formality to understand a client and have conversations is key. We haven’t got egos over here. It’s not about what we want, it’s about working together to create something magical.”