Studio Design & Construction
From an early age, Aithen was fascinated by geometry and design, constructing K’nex suspension systems and a clever bedroom pulley system, “The Lazy Station,” to control lights, doors, and vents from bed. His passion for architecture and engineering deepened as he built miniature hydroelectric dams and power plants in his grandparents’ sandbox in Tolleson, guided by his grandfather’s carpentry lessons. In 2004, Aithen applied these skills to create The Jokerr’s Lair Studios, a standout music studio with tongue-and-groove paneling, acoustic treatments, and creative lighting. As home studios surged in popularity, his reputation grew, leading to designs for clients across Arizona and California, known for bold aesthetics, clean lines, and handcrafted furniture. Aithen has since built over 30 recording studios, from high-end spaces for music icons to compact booths for friends, each reflecting his blend of elegance and precision. In 2026, he’ll showcase his talents in Pimp My Lab, a pre-production Pimp My Ride spinoff featuring rapper Xzibit, transforming studios for deserving artists while promoting FVE's mission of restoring meritocracy in entertainment.
THE JLS 7
In 2021, Aithen built the seventh iteration of The Jokerr's Lair Studios in Lake View Terrace, CA, his most ambitious project yet. The 900-square-foot converted condominium features a custom console made from two-hundred-year-old tables, grand pianos, and matching wooden wall carpentry. The stairwell’s bold geometry includes hand-shaped rails with black and gold furniture grommets matching the console. Over 700 hand-hammered grommets accent the wooden paneling encasing acoustical panels, installed by Aithen and assistant Zak Meister over four months. A sound-activated LED "Light Bar" encircles the main room, changing colors in response to audio, complemented by console lighting and ceiling projectors. The control room doubles as a private home theater, ideal for tracking, mixing, or relaxing. In 2024, a "Drum Room" was added as a general isolation booth, and the color scheme expanded to a tri-color palette incorporating JESTER character logos alongside the card motifs on the main room’s walls.
Before and After - Construction took 4.5 mos.
ALC RECORDS CONSOLE
In 2023, a water line break flooded the second studio room of The Alchemist, Eminem’s DJ of 20+ years and world renowned rapper-producer. Aithen, collaborating with Alchemist’s friend Evidence from Dilated Peoples, was enlisted to refine the space and replace the damaged console with a custom console of his own design. With FVE’s visual effects team, a 3D rendering and size stencil for approval was designed and created. Over a month, Aithen and assistant Zak Meister crafted a custom console with a Japanese theme, featuring hand-painted, wood-burned panels with music symbols and matching designs on the console’s legs. Leather belts, furniture grommets, 12 rack bays, under-table lighting, and four corner outlets in granite countertops completed the modern design. Diamond plate panels with welded steel framing beneath formed a giant ALC Records logo, making The Alchemist’s brand the centerpiece of the studio.
Original 3D mockup of proposed console design.
The Alchemist approving the console size before construction began.
Construction begins by laminating two 11-ply 4X8's together.
Lighting before granite countertops install.
Finished console.
The console was designed in 3 massive pieces which each had to be transported individually from Lake View Terrace 45 minutes to Santa Monica and pieced together in the studio.
The console was lined with the same grommets as found in Aithen's studio, giving a nod to his medieval Jester roots, even in modern applications.
Zak Meister 'Slav Squatting' for no reason.
CHARLOTTE AVE STUDIOS
In 2018, Aithen learned of singer-songwriter Charlotte Martin’s new project while she raised two children, taught vocal lessons, and worked with her partner, Failure lead singer and producer Ken Andrews, in Monrovia. Aithen, a fan of her emotive songwriting, connected with Charlotte, forming a creative partnership. She mentored him on industry matters, provided vocal coaching, and consulted on his 2022 album Coming Home. As Charlotte’s operations grew, she moved and needed her new home’s garage converted into a recording and development studio. In October 2023, Aithen took on the project. Despite existing framing and drywall, he redesigned the interior, removed old panels, and completed the build in two weeks, overcoming delays from the small space and assistant Zak Meister’s broken leg. Aithen sourced custom furniture to meet size, color, and material needs, creating an elegant, functional space. Featuring a teal and black color scheme, Charlotte Ave Studios became an ideal venue for Charlotte to teach, mentor, develop, and record.
