Liu Thai Ker is closely associated with both the successful implementation of public housing in Singapore and the formulation of a vision for the current and further urban development of the city. He joined the Singapore Housing and Development Board in 1969 and became Chief Executive Officer in 1979. During his time with the board he oversaw the completion of over half a million dwelling units as the government embarked on its "Home Ownership for All" policy. He also guided the board's planning concept as it changed from large-scale estates with localised facilities to nearly self-sufficient new towns for 200,000 to 300,000 people.

He has carried out consultancy work on transport issues for the UNDP, UN-Habitat, and the International Union (Association) of Thai Ker assumed the post of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Planner of the new Urban Redevelopment Authority in 1989, where he oversaw and completed the revision of the Concept Plan; the plan that is widely recognised as visionary, pragmatic and one which will contribute towards making Singapore a city of excellence. Currently, Thai Ker is Director at RSP Architects Planners and Engineers (Pte) Ltd and concurrently Chairman of the Advisory Committee, National University of Singapore Architecture School. He also sat on the boards of a number of Statutory Boards, principal among them are the National Arts Council, the Housing and Development Board, the Central Provident Fund Board and the National Heritage Board.