Meet the team: Rebecca Long

10 Mar 2023

What is your role at Resene and what does that involve?

My role is Senior Architectural Representative. From technical support to colour advice, I encourage my clients to use colour and coating solutions that are innovative and sustainable to bring their projects to life. I have built an extensive portfolio which ranges from residential and retail through to commercial, hospitality and education.

Tell us about some of your favourite projects using Resene products.

I really enjoyed working on the Riccarton Community Centre in Christchurch with Lachlan Munro, architect and director at Jacobs Munro Architects. I’m a huge advocate for introducing colour in any shape or form to a building and it’s not often clients are interested in making a bold, colourful statement externally. Lachlan sourced design inspiration from berries, flowers and the bark of the Kahikatea, Puahou and Patē trees from the nearby Riccarton Bush and I helped him select a set of Resene paint colours to match.

The towering Kahikatea trees found within Riccarton Bush inspired the tall exterior timber feature columns while the bold paint colours of dark red Resene Rustic Red, dark yellow Resene Hot Toddy, silver grey Resene Surrender and green Resene Marsh Green are inspired by the berries, flowers and bark of the Kahikatea, Puahou and Patē trees. The exterior is finished in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen waterborne paint, and clear finished with either Resene Concrete Clear or Resene Uracryl GraffitiShield.

See more of this project here: https://www.resene.co.nz/total-colour-awards/99-20-riccarton-centre.htm

Another favourite is Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Hohepa preschool, which I was introduced to when architect Paul Ansemi brought a selection of very colourful window joinery samples into the Resene ColorShop. We went through a bit of trial and error with the matching to get the Resene colours just right for the cladding and wall linings and it was well worth the effort. Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Hohepa is a fantastic example of how much joy colour can bring to architecture and the transition between different substrates and fixtures is seamless.

The weatherboards were finished in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in Resene Half Stack grey teamed with altered versions of Resene Pohutukawa, Resene Blue Chill and Resene Thumbs Up. These hues were also continued indoors using Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in wet and high wear and tear areas and Resene Zylone Sheen in dry areas with exposed rafters/soffits in Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen tinted to Appliance White.

See more of this project here: https://www.resene.co.nz/total-colour-awards/35-20-te-hohepa-kohanga-reo.htm

Another favourite project of mine is 214 Cashel Street, Christchurch. While I love colour, there is certainly always a place for the elegant use of neutrals. Decorative facades are particularly fun as they allow you really dive into the details. I selected a range of warm neutrals to accentuate the character of the building.

The stunning neutrals at 214 Cashel Street, Christchurch are classic and timeless. This building is painted in Resene Half Albescent White, Resene Quarter Drought, Resene Grain Brown and Resene Albescent White.

What is your biggest design or product tip?

Preparation is key to a successful paint job. No.7 Hybrid Sleeve is the best sleeve for smooth walls and the purple Sellotape masking tape is the best tool for creating crisp lines. Also, don’t hesitate to explore sheens and textures as they can really elevate your colour to another level.

What are your favourite Resene colours?

Difficult question, I love so many! Currently I am loving the indulgent Resene Very Berry, and I can’t go past the sweet Resene Japonica. I’m also looking for any excuse to recommend Resene Boris. Such a great name for a smooth charcoal.

Get in touch with Rebecca: rebecca.long@resene.co.nz

Meet the Resene Specifier and Project Services team online and find your nearest contact: www.resene.com/meet-the-team

Published: 10 Mar 2023