As open hole completions, horizontal wells, multi-laterals, and underbalanced drilling become more common place, greater emphasis is being placed on the selection and design of drilling and completion fluids. The problem of assessing fluid compatibility with hydrocarbon reservoirs is ongoing and usually unique to each reservoir. This problem becomes most visible after resources have been expended to drill, with unsatisfactory results in productivity. The objective of this paper is to present a process designed to use the best available methodologies and laboratory techniques to assist in the design and selection of fluids which will be most compatible with the reservoir. Ultimately the goal is to drill zero skin wells. The process addresses fluid design issues from both a bridging or solid phase perspective and a liquid phase perspective. Optimization relative to design such as chemical selection and concentrations are an integral part of the process. Using this process will reduce uncertainty regarding fluid selection and the impact of the fluids on productivity. Ultimately it is meant to assist in both increasing well productivity and reducing the requirement for expensive stimulation. The process may lead to innovation, resulting in new systems or products. It may be applied when designing workover and completion fluids or for drill-in fluids including overbalanced or underbalanced applications.