about is + at
We specialize in brand and product market readiness.
Market readiness is a primed state—based on the evaluation and design of a brand, product, idea, or system—optimized for adoption by an intended market. It is a practice that shapes solutions and organizations to meet the changing needs of users, marketplaces, and the world.
our capabilitiesWe achieve success in these areas by listening, investigating, uncovering insights, and leaning into the unknown. We focus on the big picture and remain customer-, patient-, and user-oriented. We are relentless in our approach of adding enormous value without sacrificing compassion or empathy.
Market Readiness
Go-to-market Strategy
Communication Strategy
Audience Identification
Product Market Fit
Positioning
Branding
Brand Strategy
Naming
Visual Identity Design
Application + Extension
Core Messaging
Brand Management
Marketing
Multi-Channel Marketing
CRM Development + Integration
Social Media
Video Production
Content Strategy, Creation
+ Design
Press + Media Management
Digital Experience Design
User Experience (UX) and
User Interface (UI) Design
(native app and web)
Information Design
Information Graphics
Data Visualization
Scientific Illustration
Analytics Design, Rendering, + Interpretation
Investor Materials
Engagement System Design
Recruitment Programs
Retention Programs
Clinical Trial Engagement
our clientsOur clients are pioneers in Life Sciences, early- to mid-stage tech companies across a wide range of industries, and established Fortune 500 companies. Common among them is their drive to engage their market and deliver exceptional value through strong brands, clear messaging, and meaningful products. All benefit from the fresh agility of our outside counsel.
who we are
Heather Furman
Founder, Executive Creative Director
I found my love of purpose-driven design as a student at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, where I committed to a cooperative with Johns Hopkins Hospital. Designing and spreading deeply needed health communications to the neglected community of East Baltimore sparked a fire within me—one that burns brighter than ever today.
My successes are driven by an unflappable focus on achieving well-designed solutions to serve real needs. This work requires me to be a designer, a listener, a problem-solver, a sense-seer, and a learner. I’ve been designing and leading teams in design my entire career—most recently as co-owner and Creative Director of Armchair and before that as partner and Executive Creative Director at Donovan/Green.
I co-founded is+at to focus my strategic design energy and to continue leading talent—the established and the fresh—toward better outcomes for underserved audiences.
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Heather serves on the Board of Directors for the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. She is the recipient of numerous design awards including the Connecticut Art Directors Club, Graphic Design USA, the Advertising Club of CT, and the American Graphic Design Awards. She was awarded First Prize from the Museum Publications Design Competition and has works appearing in Ellen Lupton’s Book “Thinking with Type, a Critical Guide.”
Matthew Thornton
Founder, Lead Strategist
I co-founded a boutique agency called Armchair back in 2009. We cut our teeth on digital innovation and brand transformation, called some impressive companies our clients and some even more impressive people our co-conspirators, and friends.
My work leading that agency with strategy and design was deeply enriching, from positioning a fashion textile company that lead the entire industry toward more sustainable, honest supply chains, to helping a massive media company grow, one tough win at a time.
Along the way, I co-founded a technographics/research company, Industry Index. I took part in the pageant of start-up culture first-hand: dozens of VC pitches, dozens more deck iterations, even more sleepless nights, re-re-re-pivoting of product. This not only wisened my insights and deepened my playbook, but also provided me with an empathetic approach to our early-stage clients.
My 20+ years of experience, skill, and a bit of good fortune have brought me here—as co-founder and architect of change for is + at.
I’m more excited by the work than I’ve ever been.
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Matthew is a member of the Board of Directors for the Soul of the Peruvian Andes, has given keynote addresses on the critical nature of branding at MAGIC LV, lectured at FIDM, and presently sits on advisory panels for several startup tech companies.