1935
Rocha → Montevideo
Joseph Alter leaves Rocha at twelve and takes a bench in a Montevideo workshop as an upholsterer. Hand tools, horsehair, tacks — the first trade of three generations.
A legacy of craftsmanship.
40+ years · three generations · 30+ skilled professionals
Metro was founded by Herman Alter, a master carpenter whose journey began over 40 years ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Learning the craft from his father, Herman started with small carpentry jobs in South Beach, Florida. His dedication and expertise grew the business from a carpentry shop into a comprehensive design-build firm.
Today the team counts over 30 skilled professionals — certified installers, project managers, designers and renowned subcontractors. A family-oriented approach and a commitment to superior service have been the keys to our success.
The Journey
1952
Buenos Aires
Across the Río de la Plata, Joseph masters carpentry — and builds the fold-away wall bed he is credited with inventing: what the world calls the Murphy bed.
1978
The Factory
Herman learns at his father's side — then scales it: rows of benches, dozens of carpenters. The family trade becomes an operation, and the standard never moves.
1988
South Beach
A new country, a work van, small carpentry jobs on Ocean Drive. Herman starts over in Miami.
2001
Hollywood, Florida
Metro is founded — a 5,000 sq ft shop on Dewey Street. David joins in sales at 16 and holds a GC license at 19. The trade becomes a Florida company.
2026
Now
Three generations deep. Thirty-plus professionals — craftsmen, engineers, project managers — with AI beside the benches. The best millworkers in South Florida.
In Honor of Joseph Alter
Three generations of builders.
Our story would be incomplete without honoring Joseph Alter, the visionary who started it all. Born in Rocha, Uruguay, Joseph moved to Montevideo at the age of 12 to become an upholsterer. His journey later took him to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he dedicated his life to mastering carpentry and providing for his family.
Joseph is credited with inventing what is known today as the Murphy bed — a testament to his ingenuity and craftsmanship. His pioneering spirit laid the foundation for the company, and his legacy continues to inspire us every day.
Our Team
Herman Alter
Founder & Principal
The visionary behind Metro. With over 40 years of experience in carpentry and construction spanning design to execution, Herman learned the craft from his father in Buenos Aires and grew the business from small carpentry jobs in South Beach into a comprehensive design-build firm. His unwavering commitment to quality and unparalleled work ethic shaped Metro into the company it is today.
David Alter
Partner & General Contractor
Herman's son, David started working in sales for the company at 16. At 19 he earned his Florida General Contractor license, and has been expanding the company's services ever since. With a keen eye for both back-end logistics and front-end sales, David's comprehensive approach ensures every project is executed with precision and excellence.
Marcelo Sonnschein
Main Architect
Widely recognized as one of Argentina's leading architects, Marcelo heads Sonnschein Arquitectos. His work blends material and intangible elements, creating spaces that fulfill practical needs while resonating with deeper intention — aesthetic beauty and functional excellence in equal measure.
Lucas Cabrera
Architect
Gabriela Grisolia
Architect
Juliana Ferreri
Render Designer
María García Santillan
Junior Designer
Marta Orozco
Executive Assistant
Josue Vasquez
Head Project Manager
Luis Parce
Building Finishes Manager
Jorge Perez
Building Finishes Manager
Johan Santiago
Building Finishes Manager
Joaquin Vicant
Head of Custom Fabrication
Kevin Bonez
Assistant of Custom Fabrication
Carlos Salvo
Logistics Helper
Felipe Montalvan
Fabricator Assistant
Daniel Nunez
Logistics Assistant
How the house works
Design Team
Transforms your vision into reality — planning, materials, fixtures and finishes, with in-house artists carrying the design from first concept to final renderings.
Building Team
Master craftsmen, project managers, labor heads, carpenters, installers, welders, glass workers, framers, drywall finishers and tile/stone installers — with weekly training courses to stay at the forefront of the industry.
Architecture Team
All aspects of architectural planning and compliance — on-site reports, code compliance, building-department communication, specifications and finalized plans.