The organisation was formed to advance the study of town planning in Singapore and help the public recognise those who were qualified in the profession. Its logo was an amalgamation of its initials, 'SIP'.

The institute's founding officials were Chua Peng Chye (President), Alan Choe (Vice-President); Loh See Hong (Secretary) and Choo Bok Lam (Treasurer). Its council members were Tan Jake Hooi, Seah Kim Bee, Liu Thai Ker and Oneg Teng Cheong, while it had Chong Tong Whye and Quah Kay Seng as auditors.