Balancing Creativity and Practicality: Decision-Making Models in Architecture

Architectural design is inherently a complex process that merges artistic creativity with technical practicality. Architects must balance aesthetic aspirations with functional, economic, environmental, and social constraints, often under tight timelines and diverse stakeholder expectations. This paper examines how decision-making models in architecture mediate between creativity and practicality throughout the design process. Drawing upon theoretical foundations in design thinking, dual-process cognition, and bounded rationality, the study explores the mechanisms architects employ to reconcile imaginative ideation with real-world feasibility. Through a qualitative research approach incorporating semi-structured interviews and case analyses, the paper identifies recurring decision-making patterns and conceptual frameworks that illustrate how architects negotiate competing values in design. Findings suggest that successful architectural decision-making depends on iterative synthesis—an ongoing dialogue between the creative and pragmatic mindsets—supported by collaborative, evidence-based, and reflective practices. The paper contributes to architectural theory by proposing an integrated “Creativity-Practicality Equilibrium Model,” providing a conceptual foundation for future empirical studies and pedagogical applications. Keywords: architecture, creativity, practicality, decision-making, design thinking, qualitative analysis, cognitive models