new to the forum, looking for some advise

[Charlie_L]

If I understand your 4 pieces correctly I would think of your final 4 piece assembly as 2.5D. Meaning each piece may have a different elevation (z) but individual pieces are the same elevation. I think of it as 2.5D because it looks 3D but all the cutting is 2d which is significantly more efficient.

[james mcgrew]

Mixture 2 d inlay 2.5 d

[tmouse]

I would do this as an inlay. Cut your male parts first the just pocket the female plaque just enough to register the male parts.

[gtgmarine]

Cutting this plaque seems like the easy part to me.
Painting it looks like a real pain!
Good luck.