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.

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)

Cassey approaches design with a creative eye and a strong attention to detail, crafting interiors that balance beauty and practicality. She enjoys combining textures, colours, and bespoke joinery to create spaces that feel cohesive and full of character.

Inspired by fashion and evolving design trends, Cassey brings a fresh perspective to each project, ensuring every space she works on feels distinctive and thoughtfully put together. Her interior design training, paired with her background in visual merchandising and retail management, gives her an intuitive understanding of how to interpret a client’s vision and turn it into something tangible.

Outside of work, Cassey enjoys painting, pottery, and photography — creative outlets that continue to influence and refine her design style.

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 (BA Int.Des.)

With over 20 years in the design industry across the UK and New Zealand, Simon brings a wealth of expertise to the Drape It team. After detouring into German wine and a decade in Management Consultancy, he returned to his true passion creating beautiful, personal spaces.

Simon has worked with everyone from German Princes to everyday homeowners, always prioritising collaboration and ensuring each design reflects the client’s style and needs. He blends technical knowledge with artistic flair, favouring natural materials, soft linens, and understated elegance, though he’s just as comfortable making bold design statements.

Outside of work Simon is a keen cook who loves gathering friends and family around a good meal and a bottle of red.

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

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.