While architecture school provides a solid foundation for students to develop technical skills and design abilities, there are several important aspects of being an architect that are not necessarily taught in the classroom. Here are some of the things that are not commonly taught in architecture school:

1. Business and Entrepreneurship Skills: Architects need to have a strong understanding of business and entrepreneurship skills, including financial management, marketing, and business development. This knowledge is critical for running a successful architecture firm or starting your own practice.
2. Project Management and Communication: Architects are often responsible for managing complex projects, which requires strong project management skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders. These skills are not always taught in architecture school but are crucial for success in the field.
3. Collaborative Work: Architecture is often a collaborative field, and architects need to know how to work effectively with other professionals, such as engineers, contractors, and consultants. Collaboration is essential for successful project delivery and requires strong communication and leadership skills.
4. Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Architects need to be familiar with the legal and regulatory requirements of the industry, including building codes, zoning regulations, and environmental laws. These requirements can have a significant impact on the design process and need to be considered throughout the project.
5. Client Management: Successful architects know how to manage their clients effectively, including setting expectations, communicating clearly, and providing excellent customer service. These skills are essential for building strong relationships with clients and winning repeat business.

In conclusion, while architecture school provides a solid foundation for technical skills and design abilities, there are several key aspects of being an architect that are not commonly taught in the classroom. To succeed in the field, architects need to develop strong business and entrepreneurship skills, project management and communication skills, collaboration skills, knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements, and client management skills. It’s essential to continue learning and developing these skills throughout your career to achieve success in the field.

References:

• Brown, N., & de Lange, J. (2017). Architectural education and the profession: Where do we go from here? Archnet-IJAR, 11(3), 1-16.
• Crawford, J. (2019). The missing curriculum of architectural education. Places Journal.
• Henn, M. (2017). Communication skills for architects. John Wiley & Sons.
• Kester, R., & Wong, W. (2018). Teaching professional practice in architecture: A critical review of current pedagogies. Journal of Architectural Education, 72(2), 196-210.
• Langford, M. (2016). The architect’s guide to running a practice: Architecture, design, and the business of building. Routledge.