OUR STORY

Creative Director & Head Designer (Dip.Int.Des) (Dip.Kit.Des)

Clients find Paula’s approach to the profession of Interior Design refreshing. She stands out as an interior designer because of her highly developed consultation skills, really listening to her client’s design requirements. Coupled with her ability to add value and ideas, and then pragmatically pull the scheme together in a facilitative manner. Paula leads a talented, inspired team of designers that ensure each client gets the best design outcome that we can deliver. Paula’s passion is working alongside her clients, from concept to completion and everything in between. Using her experience, knowledge and passion to help clients create a home that reflects their design ideas and lifestyle.

Paula personally loves simplicity with a minimal colour palette, natural materials and strong form. Using soft furnishings to create texture and softness, and art and sculpture to add pops of colour and focal points. However, she is well aware that every client has different lifestyles and design aspirations, and makes sure that each client gets a design scheme that suits their personal taste and way of life.

On the odd occasion that Paula isn’t working on design and has the opportunity to kick back, she loves nothing better than walking or running the Port Hills, hitting the gym, and spending time with family and friends.

Owner & Director

Carl has a real passion for design and over the years has helped design, project-manage, and complete many renovations and new builds. This has given him a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of property renovation, design and development, including taking a design from concept to completion.

Currently working closely with Paula and the Team to further develop COMBERANDCOMBER products and services, overall capability, and client experience. Part of his role is sales and marketing, which he really enjoys. However, Carl isn’t adverse to getting his hands dirty and moving a bit of furniture when time allows. It’s a great opportunity to stay fit for his passion for surfing, kite surfing, and mountain biking.

Senior Designer (Dip.Int.Des) (Dip.Kit.Des)

Having always been obsessed with all things design and style Ashleigh began working in the Interior Design industry in Queenstown, before becoming a part of COMBER AND COMBER a year later. Ashleigh loves to design unique kitchens with several elements of interest which can be styled to reflect the individuality of her clients. Her passion for design goes beyond interiors as she enjoys styling for all occasions such as photoshoots, parties and much more, living by the motto ‘some people look for a beautiful space, others make a place beautiful’.

When not creating beautiful spaces, Ashleigh enjoys learning about all aspects of social media and marketing, from creating imagery to writing content. She loves learning new things and adapting to the way the world progresses online.

A design enthusiast by day and half marathon hopeful by night, she balances her creativity with an active lifestyle. When not at the gym or sporadically deciding to tackle a 21K run, you'll find her DIYing Pinterest worthy home decor or subtly convincing her family to embrace the latest design trends. She also enjoys curating instagrammable moments with her niece and nephew, all while dreaming of life in a sun soaked paradise!

Senior Designer (Dip.Int.Des) (Dip.Fine Art Adv) (Dip.Kit.Des)

After completing her diploma in 2015 Lacey has spent most of her interior design career working on high end residential new builds and renovations, both in New Zealand and the UK. She works on builds from start to finish and everything in between, she can CAD design and 3D model all aspects of your home.

When not designing Lacey enjoys reformer pilates, long walks or a good glass of wine with friends.

Interior Designer (Dip.Int.Des)

From flying high to flying with style, Caitlin went from being a Flight Attendant living in Dubai, travelling the world to following a long-awaited passion of studying Interior Design.

When travelling Caitlin found herself constantly excited to get to each new destination not only for the local food and drinks but to nestle in and admire the different designs and architecture throughout each city.

If Caitlin is not In our new Black Concept Store obsessing over everything green that comes in. You will find her with her girls searching for that perfect Pho or snuggled up with her favourite pooch.

Interior Designer (Dip.Int.Des)

Alizee joined Comber and Comber in 2023 while pursuing her New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Residential) at Ara Institute. Her approach to design skillfully blends aesthetics with functionality, reflecting her deep passion for the field. Awarded the Design Excellence Award in 2023, Alizee contributes both creative vision and practical expertise to the team, working closely with senior designers on a variety of projects. She particularly enjoys using CAD software to transform design concepts into precise, detailed plans and staying current with the latest industry trends and innovations.

Coming from the north, when she’s not exploring new interior trends on Pinterest, Alizee loves discovering everything the South Island has to offer, staying active, and catching up with friends over coffee.

Window Treatments Specialist (Dip.Int.Des)

Tui has been involved with design for most of her life. An eclectic mix of dance and theatre, costuming, owning The Hat Shop in Victoria Street for many years, several home renovations, and then returning to study in interior design. Helping people achieve a home that has a great sense of flow and comfort is something she really enjoys. Whether you want your window furnishing to make a ‘wow’ statement, or to create a feeling of cohesive calm throughout your rooms, Tui will help you work through the in’s and out’s of drapes and blinds.

Window Treatments Specialist

Store Manager

Damo is our retail superstar, he manages every aspect of the BLACK CONCEPT STORE from ordering, managing stock inventory and being a friendly face to all our customers.
When not working he loves to banter with the designers or relax with a bourbon or two.

Store Assistant

Nikki is our retail assistant and right-hand woman to retail manager Damien.

She has worked in furniture and homeware stores prior to Comber and Comber where she has gained many skills.

Some of Nikki’s strengths include – being tech savvy, providing excellent customer service and communication across our departments, and excellent furniture assembly and flat pack skills.

You can often hear Nikki and Damien’s laughter as you enter the Black Concept Store.

When she is not working Nikki enjoys spending time with her busy family.

Administration & Accounts Manager (B.Com)

Jessica’s background is in administration, accounting and financial auditing. Having previously owned a business in the construction industry, worked in public audit and other accounting roles, Jess brings broad accounting experience to her position as Administration & Accounts Manager at Comber and Comber.

Jess also has an appreciation of beautiful homewares and furniture which makes working at Comber and Comber very dangerous.

When she isn’t in front of the screen at Comber and Comber you might find her walking the Port Hills, enjoying a yoga class or being bossed around by her four gorgeous children.

Home Stager

With a lifelong love for crafting beautiful spaces and an appreciation for the great outdoors, Penny found her perfect niche in home staging.

Penny sees every room as a blank canvas ready to be transformed into something extraordinary.

When she's not romanticising her dream home or exploring nature, she's also striking poses as a model on the side. And with her impressive height, she's the go-to person for reaching those top shelves and rescuing forgotten items.

Home Stager

Alice leverages her background from her interior design qualification to bring creativity and precision to every project. Her keen eye for detail and her knack for maximising space help's to create visually captivating spaces.

When she's not transforming spaces, Alice enjoys exploring different design styles through mood boards and taking walks around Hagley Park with friends, always with a coffee in hand.

Her dedication and love for design shine through both her professional and personal pursuits.

Logistics Specialist / Warehouse & Staging coordinator

Corey assists with every step of the home staging process, from packing up the truck to unloading and helping with finishing touches. Corey takes pride in every aspect of the staging process, ensuring great care is taken at every property. When Corey isn’t using his muscles at COMBER AND COMBER, you’ll find him spending quality time with his children, enthusing about cars, or drinking a beer in the sun.

Logistics Specialist / Warehouse & Staging assistant

Dion is Corey’s right-hand man when it comes to assisting with the home staging process, there is no Dijon without Mustard. He is a natural leader who is always ready to step up whenever it is asked of him, nothing is a problem and no piece of furniture is too heavy. When he’s not out lifting furniture you will find him hogging the microwave, downing a beer, or quoting any of his favourite cartoon characters.