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.

Operations Manager

Jess is the Operations Manager at Comber and Comber, where her main focus is making sure the team feels happy, supported and set up to do their best work.

While joining the family business wasn’t originally part of the plan, she’s found her place helping support the team and keep things running smoothly, occasionally stepping in to help with Staging Coordination when needed.

Before recently joining Comber and Comber, Jess worked in the health and wellness industry, an area she remains passionate about. Outside of work, she loves being outdoors, whether that’s snowboarding, wakesurfing or exploring the hills. She’s happiest surrounded by nature and always up for an adventure!

Interior Designer (Dip.Int.Des)

With a background in science research and design, Allegra brings a meticulous and analytical approach to every project. Her experience in joinery has given her a strong foundation in the finer details of craftsmanship, while her love for soft furnishings allows her to create spaces that feel both refined and welcoming. She believes thoughtful design begins with understanding the client — their lifestyle, needs, and aspirations — and she strives to make every project a truly personal experience.

For her, sustainability is key and isn’t just about materials — it’s about designing spaces that feel personalised and meaningful, which reduces the need for constant change. Ever curious, she loves to constantly explore emerging design trends and revisit the history that inspires them to keep her work fresh and informed.

When not designing, you’ll likely find her reading, at a gym class or enjoying good coffee on a long walk. 

Interior Designer (Dip.Int.Des)

Experienced in both graphic and interior design, Briar brings a considered and bold approach to every project she undertakes. Her creative background has allowed her to hone a sharp eye for colour, pattern, and all things textile. Briar thrives on creating cohesive designs that reflect personality, function and style.

She believes that great design is about creating environments and visuals. Whether she’s reimagining an interior or crafting new ones. Briar enjoys collaborating closely with clients to think outside the box. 

In her spare time, Briar can usually be found outdoors soaking up the sun, enjoying a craft beer and hot chips with friends, or getting creative in the pottery studio. 

Interior Designer (Dip.Int.Des)

Grace brings an artistic perspective to every project, drawing on her background in fine arts. With a natural talent for colour, composition, and visual storytelling, she enjoys developing thoughtful design concepts that reflect each client's character and style.

No detail is too small for Grace, as she finds the best interiors are created when every element feels connected and considered, like a complete work of art. She takes pride in balancing creativity with practicality, resolving design challenges in ways that enhance both beauty and everyday living. Her attentive approach ensures spaces are not only visually cohesive but also comfortable, functional, and enduring.

Outside of work, she can often be found experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, out for brunch with friends, or trying to wash oil paint off her hands.

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 (BDes)

Hannah has been fortunate to work in interior design and window furnishings throughout New Zealand for over a decade. With a background in high-end tailoring and a passion for textiles, she brings a unique and detail-focused perspective to her work.

Having lived and worked in many of New Zealand’s major cities, Hannah understands the nuances and challenges each region presents, particularly when it comes to window furnishings. She is passionate about helping clients create homes they truly love, ensuring each space is not only practical but also reflects their individual style. Hannah takes pride in bringing her clients’ ideas to life, creating spaces that feel both considered and personal.

When she’s not at the office, Hannah can be found sewing in her studio, enjoying the latest show at the theatre, or unwinding with a glass of red.

Window Treatments Specialist

Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and passion to transforming interiors. For her, window furnishings are about so much more than dressing a window. They’re about creating atmosphere, adding character, and bringing warmth and beauty into a home.

With more than two decades in the industry, Lisa understands that every home is different, with its own personality, light, and individual needs. She appreciates not only the beauty of a fabric but how it works within a room, from choosing the perfect colour and texture to considering the way a curtain falls and moves.

When Lisa isn’t creating beautiful spaces, you’ll often find her walking her much-loved French Bulldog, Frankie, pottering in her garden, enjoying a hill walk, or catching up with friends and sharing a few laughs.

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.

Home Stager (Dip.Int.Des)

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.

Home Stager (Dip.Int.Des)

Britney's interior design qualification and multiple years of home staging experience bring creativity, style, and a refined eye for detail to every project. She is passionate about transforming homes into warm, inviting spaces that highlight each property's unique character and maximise its full potential.

When Britney's not staging homes, you'll usually find her outdoors with her two German Shepherds. She enjoys spending time training them and getting out for adventures, making the most of every opportunity to be outside.

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.

Office & Accounts Co-Ordinator

I am really enjoying being a part of such a creative and talented group.  I love working alongside the designers and the wider team, learning more about the world of interior design, home staging and window treatments. It’s been great getting to know the different sides of the business and seeing the creativity and expertise that goes into each project.

In my role in accounts and administration, I enjoy keeping things organised and running smoothly behind the scenes.  I am also lucky to be part of a business that includes The Black Concept Store, which means there’s always plenty of inspiration - and the occasional temptation to shop!

Outside of work, I enjoying keeping active with yoga, pilates and walking.  When I’m not doing one of those, you’ll probably find me relaxing with friends, enjoying a good gin and tonic and having a laugh!