Basic understanding – yes.

As you progress, depending on the type of architect you are and where you are working, you probably have some often-used materials you work with – Concrete, steel, etc… you sort of become more specialized and understand those materials more.

I work in commercial architecture so I almost never use brick – but if the client wants that brick look, it will have to be “Las-Vegas-verneered”… or the labor will cost too much.