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.Fine Art Adv)

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.

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 at the end of 2015, before becoming a part of COMBER AND COMBER a year later. Ashleigh loves to design unique kitchen 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. Alternatively, you will find her outdoors on a walk with her Mum, or spending time with her niece and nephew at the scooter park.

Interior Designer (Dip.Int.Des)

Pieta has always had a great appreciation for beautiful interiors and completed her Interior Design Diploma in 2015 at Design and Arts College. Working in the Real Estate industry for a number of years and understanding the power and beauty of home staging it was only natural for her to be drawn towards COMBER AND COMBER. She often gets lost scrolling through Pinterest and instagram admiring all things design. When she’s not at work you might find her at the gym or trying out a new cocktail bar.

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.

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 & Designer (B.Des Hons)

Phoebe has always been a creative at heart, after graduating with a honours degree in Visual Communication Design she decided she wanted to find a more tactile, hands on approach to design. This lead her to follow her passion for interior design where she landed a job selling window treatments. She has since acquired a wealth of knowledge in the area and can find the product that will best suit your windows without skimping on aesthetics. She is also currently completing an online diploma in interior design where she hopes to make her dream of designing complete spaces into a reality.

Designer/Homestager (Dip.Int.Des)

Helena has been passionate about Interior Design since around the age of 10, she used to spend every other weekend looking around the new Show Home in her home town, in England. Since then she has studied Interior Design and she began her career within the industry in 2014. Helena loves to combine natural materials within a space, such as linens, timbers and wools. She believes the best way to create dimension and elegance within a space, is to add layers of varying textures and soft tonal colours. Helena’s number one rule when it comes to interior design is; always use feather inners. Helena’s number one rule when it comes to life is; you can grow old, but you should never grow up.

Administration & Accounts Manager (Bachelor of Commerce)

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.

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.

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.

Our Team Mascot.

The newest addition to our team, CEO of procrastination and time-wasting. He loves hanging out in the office wrestling with his buddy Jetson, despite being half his size. If you can’t find him snuggled next to Jess, he would have found a spot camouflaged on the floor and you're bound to trip over him more often than not!