Francesco Saltarelli grew up in Montreal surrounded by concrete streets and quiet backyard gardens. His love for nature started early, in his grandfather’s garden, where afternoons were spent tending grapevines, tomatoes, and basil. There, he learned patience. He learned care. And he learned that creating something living takes time.
As a teenager, Francesco began sketching outdoor spaces, imagining how small yards and rooftops could feel more open and welcoming. That curiosity led him to study horticulture and landscape design at a local college. He learned the science behind plants, soil, and sustainable landscaping, but he also learned something just as important: good design should improve daily life.
After graduating, Francesco worked with established landscaping firms across Montreal. He learned how projects are built, how teams work together, and how clients truly use their spaces. Still, he felt something was missing. He wanted to create outdoor environments that felt personal, not just polished.
In 2014, he founded Saltarelli Outdoor Design. Starting with residential projects in neighborhoods like Westmount and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Francesco built a reputation for thoughtful, elegant outdoor spaces. His rooftop terraces became especially sought after, known for smart layouts, integrated lighting, and plants chosen to thrive in Quebec’s climate.
Today, Francesco is recognized for transforming urban outdoor spaces into places people actually live in. He focuses on sustainability, works with local artisans, and designs with intention. When he’s not working, he finds inspiration cycling, taking photos, and exploring Quebec’s natural landscapes—still guided by the lessons learned in his grandfather’s garden.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually starts early. I like to spend the first hour outside if possible, even if it’s just walking or checking on my own garden. It helps me think clearly. Mornings are for design work and planning. That’s when my mind is sharpest. Afternoons are for site visits, meetings, and problem-solving. I stay productive by grouping similar tasks together and leaving space between meetings so I’m not rushed.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Most ideas start on paper. I still sketch by hand before moving to software. I walk the site, notice how the light moves, where people naturally want to sit, and how the space feels. From there, I build the design slowly. I test ideas against real life. If it doesn’t make daily use easier or more enjoyable, it doesn’t stay.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited by outdoor spaces designed for everyday use, not special occasions. Simple seating. Fewer materials. More greenery. Spaces that feel calm instead of dramatic.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Ending each day by writing down the three most important tasks for tomorrow. It clears my head and keeps me focused.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush growth. Learn the craft fully before trying to scale.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe smaller projects done well are more meaningful than large ones done fast.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Spend time observing before acting. Especially in design.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away from the screen and work with plants. Even basic maintenance helps reset my thinking.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Listening more than talking. Understanding how clients actually live changed everything about my designs.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I took on a rooftop project that was too complex for my experience level. I asked for help, learned quickly, and rebuilt trust by being honest. It taught me when to slow down.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A shared rooftop garden model for small condo buildings. Simple. Low maintenance. High impact.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
SketchUp. I use it to quickly visualize ideas before refining details.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Timeless Way of Building by Christopher Alexander. It changed how I think about space and feeling.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Chef. It reminds me that craft and passion matter more than scale.
Key learnings
- Thoughtful observation leads to better design and better decisions.
- Sustainable choices work best when they are simple and practical.
- Slower growth can create stronger, longer-lasting results.
- Deep listening is a powerful business and creative strategy.
- Working with nature, not against it, improves both process and outcome.