Francesco Saltarelli: Montreal’s Master of Luxury Outdoor Design

Francesco Saltarelli is a Montreal-based landscape designer and entrepreneur, known for creating functional, stylish, and sustainable outdoor spaces.

As the founder of Saltarelli Outdoor Design, he specializes in transforming rooftops, backyards, and urban green spaces into luxurious retreats that blend beauty with practicality. With a career rooted in horticulture and landscape design, Francesco has become a respected figure in the Montreal landscaping industry.

Born and raised in Montreal with Italian heritage, Francesco’s love for nature started in his grandfather’s backyard garden, where he spent countless hours tending grapevines and vegetables. Today, he continues to draw inspiration from nature while pushing the boundaries of urban landscaping, incorporating sustainable practices, native plants, and creative design solutions for his clients.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

I’m Francesco Saltarelli, founder of Saltarelli Outdoor Design in Montreal. I design outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional. My work ranges from backyards and rooftop terraces to small urban gardens. I try to create spaces where people feel connected to nature, even in the city.

How would you describe your personal or professional vibe in 3 words and explain why?

Creative, patient, and practical. Creative because every project requires a fresh approach. Patient because working with plants and clients takes time and care. Practical because I want every space to be usable, not just pretty.

What’s one fun fact about you most people don’t know?

I’ve been cycling around Montreal since I was a teenager. I use it as a way to explore neighborhoods and find inspiration for design. Some of my best ideas come from just riding around and noticing gardens, rooftops, and textures.

What’s your favorite TV show right now?

Right now, I’m really into Chef’s Table. I love seeing how chefs combine creativity with technique. It’s inspiring for design because you see how passion translates into a finished experience.

What’s your most-used social media app these days?

Instagram. It’s visual and lets me see what other designers, architects, and even clients are doing around the world. I also share my projects and ideas there.

What was the first social media app you ever joined?

Facebook. I used it to stay connected with friends and family. That was back in the early days when everyone was just sharing photos and updates.

Are there any influencers or creators you never miss content from?

I follow a few landscape designers and horticulturists from Europe and North America. There are always new techniques, plant combinations, and design trends to see. One account I never miss is a rooftop garden designer from Copenhagen.

Are there any must-follow accounts or pages for people in your industry?

Definitely Instagram and Pinterest pages focused on urban gardening, sustainable landscaping, and creative outdoor spaces. They’re great for inspiration and seeing what’s possible in small or tricky spaces.

Do you listen to any podcasts related to your field or niche?

Yes, I listen to horticulture and landscape design podcasts when I’m commuting or cycling. They often feature discussions about sustainable practices, client management, and creative approaches to urban outdoor spaces.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard from a podcast or interview?

One piece of advice that stuck with me was about designing with patience. A designer said, “If you rush the plan, the space will feel rushed too.” That really resonates because outdoor spaces need time to grow and evolve, just like the people using them.

If you could collab with any influencer or celeb, who would it be?

I’d love to work with a chef who has a passion for farm-to-table cooking. Imagine designing a rooftop or garden kitchen that grows ingredients and also serves as a beautiful entertaining space. That combination of food, design, and nature is exciting to me.

What’s a habit, hack, or tool you swear by for staying informed or inspired?

Cycling through the city is my go-to habit. It allows me to notice colors, textures, and spatial layouts I might otherwise miss. I also keep a small sketchbook to jot down ideas when inspiration strikes. It’s simple, but it keeps creativity flowing.