Real Estate Photos in Huntsville, AL and Springfield, IL
the team aka "the Girls"
Jamie Graff
Jamie Graff - Co-Owner
Jamie has been passionate about art and design for as long as she can remember. As a child, she spent hours creating floor plans out of her brother’s Lego sets or sitting beside her great-grandmother, learning how to paint and sew. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Jamie always knew she would one day follow that path.
When it came time for college, she focused on the subjects she loved most: art, photography, and math. Those passions became the foundation of what is now Design Eyes. During her studies, Jamie’s appreciation for architecture and interior design grew, ultimately leading her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
After graduating in 2009, Jamie joined a residential flooring sales team, helping clients choose finishes that fit both their style and budget. In 2011, after the birth of her first child, she transitioned into an administrative role with the Riverton School District so she could spend more time with her family. However, her passion for design continued to call her back. In 2016, a family friend introduced her to real estate photography, and she instantly found her niche. Jamie quickly discovered an ability to see the unique features that make each property stand out, bringing that perspective and creativity into every project.
Today, Jamie channels her expertise and artistic eye into Design Eyes, blending design knowledge with an entrepreneurial drive to help agents and sellers present their properties at their very best.
Jamie lives in Riverton, Illinois with her high school sweetheart, Brandon, and their three children: Grady, Brody, and Lilly.
“Success isn’t what others can see, but how you feel. It’s living your truth and doing what makes you truly happy. That’s success.” – Robert Tew
Melissa Lockwood
Melissa Lockwood - Co-Owner
Melissa's love for real estate and design started early. As a child, she spent hours watching “This Old House” and clipping furniture and bedding from JCPenney catalogs to create mood boards and space plans. Although her passion for design was evident, her first calling was service. Straight out of high school, Melissa joined the United States Air Force, proudly serving nearly a decade on active duty as a Staff Sergeant. Her years of service took her around the world, where she gained a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and honed the skills, discipline, and integrity that still shape her work today.
After transitioning from military life in 2007, Melissa traded combat boots for high heels and immersed herself in the architecture and interior design industries. She worked closely with top architects and designers, helping clients create beautiful, functional spaces that reflected their lifestyle and needs. Kitchens and baths became some of her favorite spaces to design, blending her eye for detail with practical, client-focused solutions.
In 2015, Melissa discovered her next professional passion when she transitioned into real estate photography. Combining her design expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and the work ethic instilled during her military career, she co-founded Design Eyes. Known for her strategic thinking, strong project management skills, and genuine enthusiasm for people, Melissa has built lasting relationships with clients by bringing both professionalism and a personal touch to every project.
Melissa now resides in Huntsville, Alabama, where she manages Design Eyes’ operations and enjoys the company of her pets: cats Arrietty and Benedict Catterbatch and her dog Cecilia.
“Have a fierce resolve in everything you do. Demonstrate determination, resiliency, and tenacity. Do not let temporary setbacks become permanent excuses. And, finally, use mistakes and problems as opportunities to get better, not reasons to quit.” ― Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion