plato began his career as an architect and building contractor in 1902 in marion, indiana, at a time when segregation and racism made it challenging for african-american professionals such as architects. in 1921 he relocated to louisville, kentucky, where he spent the remainder of his life. some of plato's major buildings are listed on the national register of historic places. these include louisville's broadway temple a.m.e. zion church and the virginia avenue colored school, two examples of his contributions to the city's african-american community. other projects include the j. woodrow wilson house in marion, indiana, and the second baptist church in bloomington, indiana.