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Frank Saltarelli and the Rise of Smarter Outdoor Design
23 May 2026
Outdoor design used to be treated like an afterthought. A patio went in after the house was finished. A few plants got added near the fence. Most projects focused on looks more than function.
Frank Saltarelli built his career by challenging that mindset.
Today, the Montreal-based founder of Saltarelli Outdoor Design is recognized for creating outdoor spaces that feel connected to daily life. His work blends design, sustainability, and practical use. It has also helped shape how many homeowners in Montreal think about outdoor living.
His path into the industry did not begin in a showroom or corporate office. It started in a family garden.
“My grandfather grew tomatoes, basil, and grapevines in the backyard,” Saltarelli says. “As a kid, I helped him build trellises and water the garden. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that was my first lesson in design.”
How Frank Saltarelli Started His Career in Landscape Design
Saltarelli grew up in Montreal in a close Italian family. His father worked in masonry. His mother ran a tailoring business in Little Italy. Craftsmanship was part of everyday life.
By the time he was a teenager, he was already sketching outdoor layouts and paying attention to how spaces worked. He liked architecture, but he was just as interested in how people moved through a space.
That interest led him to study horticulture and landscape management in Montreal. There, he focused on plant ecology, drafting, and sustainable systems.
After graduation, he entered the landscaping industry at a practical level. He worked on patios, retaining walls, and residential backyard projects. The work was physical and detail-heavy.
He says those early years shaped the way he approaches projects today.
“You learn quickly when you’re on a job site in the rain trying to fix drainage problems,” he says. “That experience teaches you to think ahead instead of just making something look good in a rendering.”
Building Experience Across Montreal
Saltarelli spent several years working with landscaping firms across Montreal before starting his own company. He worked on rooftop terraces downtown, courtyard gardens in Plateau-Mont-Royal, and large residential projects in Westmount and Outremont.
Each role added new skills.
He learned budgeting. Team coordination. Material sourcing. Client management.
He also noticed a pattern. Many outdoor spaces were being designed around trends instead of real use.
“I saw projects with expensive features nobody touched after the first summer,” he says. “Meanwhile, the spaces people loved most were often the simplest ones.”
That observation became part of his business philosophy.
Why Frank Saltarelli Founded Saltarelli Outdoor Design
In 2014, Saltarelli launched Saltarelli Outdoor Design from a small shared office in Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood.
At the beginning, he handled almost everything himself. Design drafts. Site visits. Contractor coordination. Client meetings.
His focus was clear from the start. He wanted outdoor spaces to feel like extensions of the home instead of separate areas.
That approach connected with clients.
Many homeowners wanted more usable outdoor space, especially in dense urban neighborhoods where backyards and rooftops had limited square footage.
Saltarelli became known for maximizing those spaces without making them feel crowded.
“One rooftop had barely enough room for seating,” he says. “Instead of filling it with features, we kept it open and focused on comfort. The client ended up using it every day.”
How Sustainability Became Part of His Work
Sustainability became a major focus as his company grew.
Saltarelli started incorporating native Quebec plants, permeable pavers, and rainwater management systems into more projects. He also worked with local suppliers and fabricators whenever possible.
This was not about chasing trends. It was about creating spaces that lasted.
According to Environment Canada, native landscaping can significantly reduce water use and improve long-term plant survival in urban environments. More cities are also encouraging green infrastructure to help reduce stormwater pressure and urban heat buildup.
Saltarelli believes outdoor design should respond to those challenges.
“If a space looks great for one season but becomes hard to maintain after that, it’s not a successful design,” he says.
Frank Saltarelli’s Leadership Style
As the company expanded, Saltarelli took on more leadership responsibilities. He hired additional designers and project specialists. He also built partnerships with local carpenters, metalworkers, and stone suppliers.
People who work with him often mention his hands-on approach.
He still visits job sites regularly. He still reviews details personally.
“I like seeing how people actually use the spaces after the project is done,” he says. “That tells you more than any photo ever could.”
That practical mindset has helped him stand out in a crowded industry.
Today, outdoor living has become one of the fastest-growing segments of residential design. Industry reports from Houzz and the American Society of Landscape Architects continue to show strong demand for outdoor kitchens, rooftop terraces, and flexible outdoor gathering spaces.
Saltarelli believes that demand reflects a larger shift in how people view their homes.
“People want spaces that improve daily life,” he says. “Not just spaces that photograph well.”
What Drives Frank Saltarelli Today
Outside of work, Saltarelli still spends time cycling through Montreal and exploring Quebec’s parks and natural areas. He also maintains his own garden at home.
That connection to nature continues to shape his work.
Looking ahead, he plans to expand into hospitality and boutique commercial projects while continuing to mentor younger designers entering the industry.
For Saltarelli, leadership is not about following design trends or creating the loudest projects. It is about consistency, problem-solving, and understanding how people live.
That steady approach has helped turn Saltarelli Outdoor Design into one of Montreal’s recognized names in high-end landscape design.
And for Frank Saltarelli Montreal, the goal remains simple.
Build outdoor spaces people will actually use.
