That is not true. While a retoucher might have all the necessary technique, there can be aesthetic considerations requiring a a specific understanding of and appreciation for the particular subject matter. In that respect there is a big different between retouching, say portraits, and architectural/interiors subject matter. Sure, any competent retoucher can do things like removing light poles and power lines and the like, but there can be a lot more to it than that.
Nope. Nothing magic about it. If the original is decent, it's just a matter of compensating for lighting and removing unwanted stuff. As said, if the original is decent. Good architectural images need good photography to sort with, but, magic can be performed on the right piece of mediocrity. Of course, the retoucher will probably get zero credit for saving the day.
A good retoucher in any NYC or LA/SF studio can easily do that, then move over to a beauty shot (which is much harder, especially if hair work is involved, and the original is junk, but, beauty retouching is lucrative). If they can't, they aren't going to do well in the profession.
