Kelly Sawdon

As the architect of Atelier Ace, Kelly Sawdon brokers a rejuvenating handshake between business and creativity — authenticating partners with creative substance and expanding platforms for expression to outliers and innovators. Sawdon began her career at Neverstop, a multi-disciplinary marketing agency for brands like Nike, Uniqlo, Target and MSN Music, where she produced and oversaw events globally. She joined Alex Calderwood in developing and refining the Ace Hotel brand as it grew from a former boardinghouse in Seattle to an international hospitality brand and has been with the company for over a decade. As Ace’s Chief Brand Officer, Kelly oversees the entire creative studio, including graphic designers, the architecture and interiors team, PR, events, retail and marketing, and partnerships.

Ace Hotel reimagines urban hotels for people who make cities interesting. We crave experience more than hospitality clichés. We are curious about the history and geography of the buildings we inhabit, and let these guide us to someplace fresh and familiar. Ace is the low card and the high card.