Frank Saltarelli: Building Better Outdoor Living in Montreal

Frank Saltarelli did not set out to just design landscapes. He set out to change how people live in their outdoor spaces. Today, the Montreal-based founder of Saltarelli Outdoor Design is known for turning ordinary yards and rooftops into places people actually use every day.

His work is not about decoration. It is about function, comfort, and connection.

“Outdoor spaces should do more than look beautiful,” Saltarelli says. “They should enhance how we live, bring people together, and reconnect us with nature every day.”

How Frank Saltarelli Got Started in Landscape Design

Saltarelli’s story begins in Montreal’s Italian community. He grew up surrounded by family, craftsmanship, and hands-on work. His father worked in masonry. His grandfather kept a garden.

As a child, he spent long afternoons helping in that garden. He pruned grapevines. He watered plants. He built simple structures. Those early lessons stayed with him.

He also liked to draw. By his early teens, he was sketching outdoor layouts and imagining how spaces could be improved.

This mix of creativity and hands-on learning shaped his path.

He later studied horticulture and landscape management. There, he learned the science behind plants, soil, and sustainable design. But he knew education alone would not be enough.

Early Career and Lessons from the Field

After finishing school, Saltarelli worked with several landscaping companies across Montreal. These early roles were important. He learned how projects actually come together.

He worked on patios and stonework. He helped design rooftop spaces in dense parts of the city. He managed teams and dealt with clients.

Each step added a new layer of experience.

He also saw a gap in the industry. Many projects focused only on appearance. They looked good but were not always practical.

That did not sit right with him.

“I’ve always believed the best spaces are the ones people actually use,” he says. “They should reflect how people live, not just how they look.”

Why He Founded Saltarelli Outdoor Design

In 2014, Saltarelli decided to start his own company. He wanted more control over the design process. More importantly, he wanted to build spaces with purpose.

He started small. His first projects were residential backyards in neighborhoods like Westmount and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. He handled everything himself. Design, planning, and execution.

The early years were hands-on and demanding. But they helped him build a clear identity.

His approach was simple. Listen first. Then design.

He focused on how clients lived day to day. Did they host guests? Did they want quiet space? Did they need something functional for family life?

From there, the design followed.

What Makes His Work Different

Over time, Saltarelli became known for a specific style. Clean lines. Natural materials. Thoughtful layouts.

But the real difference is how his spaces function.

He treats outdoor areas like extensions of the home. Not separate zones.

“The goal is to make the transition feel natural,” he explains. “When it’s done right, the space just works.”

This idea shows up clearly in his rooftop terrace projects. In a city like Montreal, space is limited. Rooftops offer opportunity, but they also come with challenges.

Wind exposure. Weather changes. Weight limits.

Saltarelli designs around these factors. He uses climate-resilient plants. He integrates lighting and custom planters. He builds systems that last.

The Role of Sustainability in His Designs

Sustainability is a key part of his work. But he does not treat it as a trend.

It is built into the design from the start.

He often uses native plants that can handle Quebec’s climate. This reduces water use and long-term maintenance. He also incorporates drainage systems and materials that support environmental balance.

This approach matters in urban settings. Cities deal with heat, water runoff, and limited green space.

Thoughtful design can help.

Saltarelli sees this as part of his responsibility.

“When you combine good design with natural elements, you create something people connect with,” he says.

Building a Reputation in Montreal’s Design Scene

As his portfolio grew, so did his reputation. His projects spread across neighborhoods like Outremont and NDG. Clients began to seek him out for more complex designs.

He expanded his team. He partnered with local artisans. Metalworkers, carpenters, and suppliers became part of the process.

This local focus helped maintain quality and consistency.

It also reinforced his connection to the community.

Today, Saltarelli Outdoor Design is seen as a high-end firm. But the core idea has not changed. Build spaces that people actually use.

What Drives Frank Saltarelli Today

Outside of work, Saltarelli still looks for inspiration in simple ways. He cycles through the city. He visits parks. He travels to places like Mont-Tremblant and Charlevoix.

He also spends time in his own garden.

That connection to nature remains central to his thinking.

Looking ahead, he is interested in expanding his work. This includes hospitality spaces and new product ideas. But his focus stays grounded in the same principle.

Design should improve daily life.

“At the end of the day, it’s about how a space makes you feel,” he says. “That’s what people remember.”

What You Can Learn from His Career Path

Saltarelli’s journey offers a clear takeaway. Big ideas do not need to be complex. They need to be applied well.

He saw a problem. Spaces that looked good but did not work. Then he built a business around solving it.

Step by step.

His success did not come from one big moment. It came from consistent decisions over time. Learning the craft. Understanding clients. Staying focused on purpose.

That approach continues to shape his work today.

And it is why his designs stand out in a crowded industry.