In the quiet Nova Scotia countryside, artists and media workers have a new place to call home. Higher Elevation Studio is a multi-room production facility with video editing suites, a TV recording stage, and a boutique recording studio. Its creation is rooted in long-standing industry relationships and the kind of determination that’s only tested during moments of global uncertainty.
The idea began when Eileen Richardson of DiaDan Holdings Ltd. brought together two trusted collaborators: Kevin Hughes of Design Technik from Texas and legendary studio designer James Salter from California. All three had worked together in Los Angeles at the famous Evergreen Stage. When Richardson introduced Hughes and Salter to Royce Harris, the plans for Higher Elevation Studio began to take shape.
Work started in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was in full force. Supply chains were stretched, and construction crews faced delays. Yet the project continued to push forward. Richardson and Harris were committed to seeing it through.
“We knew this studio could turn into something special for the local creative community,” says Richardson. “Though the world had come to a halt, we were still moving forward, one step at a time.”
The chosen studio needed significant repairs. The previous wooden roof had become so decayed that holes had formed, allowing daylight to seep inside. It was replaced by a steel roof and new trusses. A skylight was added. With the outside structure more stabilized, the team turned its focus to the inside of the building, where years of experience guided the layout and functionality.
Studio A, located on the main floor, is a finished recording studio equipped with isolation booths. Studio B, also on the main level, was designed for television production and includes a permanent set used to record interviews. Downstairs, Studio C is a second recording studio that doubles as a teaching space. The ground floor includes a kitchen and lounge area to relax between sessions.
The facility’s top floor is designated for visiting engineers and artists. It includes a guest suite, kitchen, bathroom, and conference room. Practical elements like a reception area and admin offices support the daily operations of the studio.
The equipment list reflects Richardson’s deep connections in the recording industry. She teamed up with EveAnna Manley of Manley Laboratories Inc. to bring in high-end and rare gear. The collection includes a Custom Gretsch drum kit, a Hammond B3, a Wurlitzer A-200, various vintage and large-diaphragm microphones, and an original Telefunken U47 tube mic.
“Every single piece was chosen because it had something to give, not just because it was in style. There’s a weight to this equipment, a story behind every piece,” says Richardson.
The construction was done by skilled local tradesmen. Their hard work is evident in every detail, from structural reinforcements to the final finishes. Despite pandemic-related challenges, they produced the level of quality and detail necessary to satisfy the team’s standards. Their work was praised by Salter, who brought years of experience in studio design to the project.
“We were lucky to have worked with people who really cared about what they were building. They treated this project like a mission instead of a job,” says Richardson.
The outcome is a studio that provides professional-grade spaces in an environment that supports focus and creativity. The structure, the layout, and the materials all work together to create a place where people can do their best work without being disrupted.
Higher Elevation Studio was not rushed. It took time, meticulous planning, and coordination between people across borders and industries. What exists now is the result of experience, partnership, and faith in the artistic process.
Musicians, producers, filmmakers, teachers, and others will find a space designed for serious work inside its walls. The team behind the studio took their time because they believed in what they were building, and they made sure to get it right.
