Born in Buenos Aires and educated in the United States, Ariel joined the firm at 18 while still a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He quickly rose to Partner upon completing his studies and in 2012, he became Principal of the firm. As a close, personal consultant to Aufgang clients, Ariel provides a full range of services including land use consultation, peer review, design services, planning, and construction administration. In the past 20 years Aufgang has designed over 20,000 units of safe, comfortable, and appealing affordable housing in the five boroughs of NYC that strengthen the social and economic fabric of their neighborhoods. He is also an entrepreneur. In 2024 he opened Lavagna wine bar and eatery in Rockland County, NY to overwhelmingly positive reviews. And as a developer and homebuilder, he is currently building a 96 house subdivision in upstate New York.