I'm not overly familiar with a book titled exactly 'by design fiction book'. However, 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson is a classic cyberpunk novel that involves a lot of design elements in the form of the virtual and physical landscapes it creates. The world is designed in a very particular way in that story, which might be similar to what you're looking for.
I would suggest 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson. The descriptions of the house's interiors are spooky yet fascinating. The way the rooms are described and how they interact with the characters' psychological states is really interesting. Also, 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett has some elements of interior design in the way the secret garden and the old manor are described, especially when the garden is being restored.
I would recommend 'The Windup Girl' by Paolo Bacigalupi. It has great designs for genetically engineered organisms and the post - apocalyptic world they inhabit. 'Anathem' by Neal Stephenson also has unique design elements, especially in terms of the isolated society of mathematicians. And 'The City & the City' by China Miéville is interesting as it plays with the design of two overlapping cities with different cultures and laws.
One of the notable science fiction design books is 'The World of The Hunger Games'. It details the design aspects of the post - apocalyptic world, the Capitol's extravagant yet menacing architecture, and the distinct clothing designs. Also, 'Blade Runner 2049: The Art and Soul of a Film' is excellent. It delves deep into the creation of the film's dystopian world, from the neon - lit cityscapes to the design of the replicants.
One could be 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks'. It's a non - fictional book that reads like a great story, much like 'better than fiction book'.
One similar book could be 'The Divide' by Matt Taibbi. It also explores divides in society in an engaging way.
One similar book could be 'Red Moon Rising'. It has a similar style of fictional world - building. Another might be 'Blue Star Chronicles' which also has elements of complex fictional plots like 'Black Sun Fiction Book'.
One book could be 'The Hunger Games'. It also has a young adult target audience and features a unique and engaging story world, much like 'The Immortality Book' might. Another option is 'Divergent'. It has a strong young protagonist facing complex challenges in a dystopian setting.
One great book is 'The Evolution of Mechanical Design'. It details the historical development of mechanical design through various stories of inventors and their creations. Another is 'Stories behind Famous Mechanical Designs' which delves into the backstories of well - known mechanical designs like the steam engine.
Well, if 'fiction the garden book' is about a fictional garden with some elements of magic or wonder, then 'The Enchanted Garden' might be a similar read. It often has elements of nature and the garden being a place of transformation. Also, 'Garden Spells' is a book where the garden plays a significant role in the lives of the characters, much like what might be expected from 'fiction the garden book'.
You could try books by local authors who write about similar regions. Maybe books set in nearby areas that also focus on character - driven stories.