Abstract
This study examines the creative processes within Italian architectural firms, focusing on the "idea journey" from initial concept to implementation. It frames architectural work as both creative and routine, exploring this duality through the lens of "social-symbolic work," which involves discursive, relational, and material elements. The research will use semi-structured interviews with architectural studio leaders, supplemented by observation and archival data, to understand how they balance creativity, practicality, and stakeholder interests. Grounded theory will be employed to analyze the Italian language transcripts. The aim is to uncover how roles and responsibilities are defined to foster creativity, providing insights into the everyday work life of these studio leaders.