in 1924 plottel married and also was appointed to design the new st kilda synagogue, as the congregation had outgrown the 1872 building. as inspiration he presented a photo of the recently completed temple isaiah in chicago, and his design was closely modelled on it, a smaller and simpler version of its exotic grand, domed, ‘byzantine revival' style. the dome roof was clad in green wunderlich tiles, imitating copper, while the interior was finished in finely crafted woodwork, which was to become plottel’s trademark.