Should an OO Software Architect be able to implement his designs in a programming language himself?
While it may not be necessary to know how to program in theory, in practice it’s kind of like the Dilbert comic strip where they get a new manager with an MBA: “So they taught you how to get the most out of people under tight deadlines while keeping morale high.” “No, mostly they just taught us about finance.” Sure, you can just learn about being an architect, but the experience you need to do that job well is going to come from A) being a sub-par architect who butts heads with the programmers/reality as he/she gains that experience or B) spends some time programming OO first. Your call.
