Christopher French – Owner & Operations Manager
French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts
Christopher French is the founder and driving force behind French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts, a family-owned company he established in 2013 alongside his wife, Joanna. With hands-on experience dating back to 2006, Christopher has built his career around designing and constructing high-quality outdoor living spaces that are made to last.
Craftsmanship is deeply rooted in Christopher’s background. Raised in his grandfather Hollis French’s cabinet shop, he developed an early appreciation for precision, durability, and attention to detail. Hollis, who owned and operated French’s Furniture and Cabinet Shop for over 60 years, completed custom work for respected institutions such as The Witte Museum and Santa Rosa Hospital—setting a standard of excellence that continues to influence Christopher’s work today.
Under Christopher’s leadership, the company has earned international recognition, including four awards from the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), and holds the distinction of being the longest-standing NADRA member in San Antonio. His work has also been featured in Deck Specialist Magazine, highlighting his expertise and reputation within the industry.
Beyond building, Christopher is actively involved in educating others and raising industry standards. He speaks annually to the San Antonio Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (SATAREI), sharing insights on deck and patio safety, building codes, and best practices. He also collaborates with inspectors to provide detailed structural evaluations, helping ensure outdoor spaces are safe, compliant, and built for long-term performance.
At his core, Christopher is guided by three values: Family, Integrity, and Quality. As a husband and father of four, he understands the importance of creating spaces where families can gather, relax, and create lasting memories. His approach to every project reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and doing things the right way.
Inspired by the philosophy often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi—
“He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands, head, and heart is an artist.”
Christopher brings that mindset into everything he does—combining skill, knowledge, and passion to create outdoor spaces that are not only functional, but truly meaningful for the families who enjoy them.
